Multilayer films comprising polyethylene and barrier layers and methods of producing the same

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of multilayer films are disclosed comprising a first layer comprising polyethylene, a second layer comprising a first medium density polyethylene; a barrier layer; a third layer comprising a second medium density polyethylene; and a fourth layer comprising polyethylene. The second layer may be positioned between the first layer and the barrier layer. The barrier layer may be positioned between the second layer and the third layer.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to European Patent Application No. 19382903.3, filed Oct. 15, 2019, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/883,467, filed Aug. 6, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/883,497, filed Aug. 6, 2019, where the entire disclosures of which are each hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments described herein generally relate to multilayer films and, more specifically, relate to multilayer films including polyethylene layers and barrier layers.

BACKGROUND

Multilayer films are used in packaging applications, including flexible packaging applications. Flexible packaging often requires the use of barrier layers, which reduce aroma, water, and gas diffusion into and out of the flexible package.

SUMMARY

In conventional multilayer films, the inclusion of a polyamide-containing barrier layer may present a desirable film properties. However, incorporating a polyamide-containing barrier layer may increase process complexity, increase film structure complexity, produce non-recyclable multilayer films, and increase material costs when compared to utilizing other materials. As such, improved sustainability and improved mechanical properties are goals for manufacturers of multilayer films that include polyethylene. Yet, polyethylene-containing films with reduced polyamide or no polyamide typically have improved modulus but insufficient dart strength or improved dart strength but insufficient modulus. As such, obtaining polymer films with a balance of dart strength and modulus while allowing for improved recyclability is often challenging.

Therefore, it is beneficial for monolayer and multilayer polymer films, which may include blown or cast films, to demonstrate toughness while allowing for a reduction of material costs and/or increased recyclability. There are needs for multilayer films that exhibit good physical properties, such as high dart and high modulus along with barrier properties that meet customer and industry requirements.

Embodiments of the present disclosure meet those needs by providing multilayer films that provide a balance of improved stiffness and improved abuse properties (e.g. dart, puncture energy, tear) with sufficient barrier properties. Such multilayer films may include one or more medium density polyethylene (MDPE) compositions in one or more layers that exhibit an improved balance of toughness and creep resistance. In one or more embodiments, the MDPE compositions in one or more layers of the presently-disclosed films may include a first polyethylene fraction and a second polyethylene fraction, where each fraction has a different elution profile peak as described herein. The use of such MDPE compositions may allow for a suitable balance dart strength versus modulus while having good barrier properties without polyamide. Additionally, the multilayer films including barrier layers and such MDPE compositions may be improved as compared with conventional multilayer films that include barrier layers and no MDPE compositions.

According to one or more embodiments, a multilayer film is provided. Embodiments of the multilayer film may include a first layer comprising polyethylene, a second layer comprising a first medium density polyethylene, a barrier layer, a third layer comprising a second medium density polyethylene, and a fourth layer comprising polyethylene. The second layer may be positioned between the first layer and the barrier layer. The barrier layer may be positioned between the second layer and the third layer. The third layer may be positioned between the barrier layer and the fourth layer. The first medium density polyethylene and the second medium density polyethylene may each include (a) a first polyethylene fraction having a single peak in a temperature range of 45° C. to 87° C. in an elution profile via improved comonomer composition distribution (iCCD) analysis method, wherein a first polyethylene fraction area is an area in the elution profile beneath the single peak of the first polyethylene fraction between 45° C. and 87° C.; and (b) a second polyethylene fraction having a single peak in a temperature range of 95° C. to 120° C. in the elution profile via iCCD analysis method and wherein a second polyethylene fraction area is an area in the elution profile beneath the single peak of the second polyethylene fraction between 95° C. and 120° C. The first medium density polyethylene and the second medium density polyethylene may each have a density of 0.924 g/cm³ to 0.936 g/cm³ and a melt index (I₂) of 0.25 g/10 minutes to 2.0 g/10 minutes, wherein the first polyethylene fraction area may include at least 40% of the total area of the elution profile, wherein a ratio of the first polyethylene fraction area to the second polyethylene fraction area may be 0.75 to 2.5, and wherein the width of the single peak of the second polyethylene fraction at 50 percent peak height may be less than 5.0° C.

According to one or more embodiments, a multilayer film is provided. Embodiments of the multilayer film may include a first outer layer comprising polyethylene; a first subskin layer comprising a first medium density polyethylene; a second subskin layer comprising a second medium density polyethylene, a first tie layer, a barrier layer, a second tie layer, a third subskin layer comprising a third medium density polyethylene, and a fourth subskin layer comprising a fourth medium density polyethylene. The first subskin layer may be positioned between the first outer layer and the second subskin layer. The second subskin layer may be positioned between the first subskin layer and the first tie layer. The first tie layer may be positioned between the second subskin layer and the barrier layer. The barrier layer may be positioned between the first tie layer and the second tie layer. The second tie layer may be positioned between the barrier layer and the third subskin layer. The third subskin layer may be positioned between the second tie layer and the fourth subskin layer. The fourth subskin layer may be positioned between the third subskin layer and the second outer layer. The first medium density polyethylene, the second medium density polyethylene, the third medium density polyethylene, and the fourth medium density polyethylene may each include (a) a first polyethylene fraction having a single peak in a temperature range of 45° C. to 87° C. in an elution profile via improved comonomer composition distribution (iCCD) analysis method, wherein a first polyethylene fraction area is an area in the elution profile beneath the single peak of the first polyethylene fraction between 45° C. and 87° C.; and (b) a second polyethylene fraction having a single peak in a temperature range of 95° C. to 120° C. in the elution profile via iCCD analysis method and wherein a second polyethylene fraction area is an area in the elution profile beneath the single peak of the second polyethylene fraction between 95° C. and 120° C. The first medium density polyethylene, the second medium density polyethylene, the third medium density polyethylene, and the fourth medium density polyethylene may each have a density of 0.924 g/cm³ to 0.936 g/cm³ and a melt index (I₂) of 0.25 g/10 minutes to 2.0 g/10 minutes, wherein the first polyethylene fraction area may include at least 40% of the total area of the elution profile, wherein a ratio of the first polyethylene fraction area to the second polyethylene fraction area may be 0.75 to 2.5, and wherein the width of the single peak of the second polyethylene fraction at 50 percent peak height may be less than 5.0° C.

These and embodiments are described in more detail in the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present disclosure can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 graphically depicts the elution profile of a Selected MDPE, according to one or more embodiments presently described;

FIG. 2 graphically depicts the elution profile the Selected MDPE of Example 1, according to one or more embodiments presently described;

FIG. 3 schematically depicts a reactor system useful for producing polyethylene, according to one or more embodiments presently described;

FIG. 4 schematically depicts another reactor system useful for producing polyethylene, according to one or more embodiments presently described.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Specific embodiments of the present application will now be described. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the claimed subject matter to those skilled in the art.

The term “polymer” refers to a polymeric compound prepared by polymerizing monomers, whether of a same or a different type. The generic term polymer thus embraces the term “homopolymer,” which usually refers to a polymer prepared from only one type of monomer as well as “copolymer,” which refers to a polymer prepared from two or more different monomers. The term “interpolymer,” as used herein, refers to a polymer prepared by the polymerization of at least two different types of monomers. The generic term interpolymer thus includes a copolymer or polymer prepared from more than two different types of monomers, such as terpolymers.

“Polyethylene” or “ethylene-based polymer” shall mean polymers comprising greater than 50% by mole of units derived from ethylene monomer. This includes ethylene-based homopolymers or copolymers (meaning units derived from two or more comonomers). Common forms of ethylene-based polymers known in the art include, but are not limited to, Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE); Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE); Ultra Low Density Polyethylene (ULDPE); Very Low Density Polyethylene (VLDPE); single-site catalyzed Linear Low Density Polyethylene, including both linear and substantially linear low density resins (m-LLDPE); Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE); and High Density Polyethylene (HDPE).

The term “composition,” as used herein, refers to a mixture of materials that comprises the composition, as well as reaction products and decomposition products formed from the materials of the composition.

“Polypropylene” or “propylene-based polymer” as used herein, refers to a polymer that comprises, in polymerized form, greater than 50% by mole of units that have been derived from propylene monomer. This includes propylene homopolymer, random copolymer polypropylene, impact copolymer polypropylene, propylene/α-olefin copolymer, and propylene/α-olefin copolymer.

The term “LDPE” may also be referred to as “high pressure ethylene polymer” or “highly branched polyethylene” and is defined to mean that the polymer is partly or entirely homopolymerized or copolymerized in autoclave or tubular reactors at pressures above 14,500 psi (100 MPa) with the use of free-radical initiators, such as peroxides (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,599,392, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety). LDPE resins typically have a density in the range of 0.916 g/cm³ to 0.940 g/cm³.

The term “LLDPE,” includes resin made using Ziegler-Natta catalyst systems as well as resin made using single-site catalysts, including, but not limited to, bis-metallocene catalysts (sometimes referred to as “m-LLDPE”), phosphinimine, and constrained geometry catalysts, and resins made using post-metallocene, molecular catalysts, including, but not limited to, bis(biphenylphenoxy) catalysts (also referred to as polyvalent aryloxyether catalysts). LLDPE includes linear, substantially linear, or heterogeneous ethylene-based copolymers or homopolymers. LLDPEs contain less long chain branching than LDPEs and include the substantially linear ethylene polymers, which are further defined in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,272,236, 5,278,272, 5,582,923 and 5,733,155 each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety; the homogeneously branched linear ethylene polymer compositions such as those in U.S. Pat. No. 3,645,992 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; the heterogeneously branched ethylene polymers such as those prepared according to the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,698 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety; and blends thereof (such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,914,342 and 5,854,045 which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The LLDPE resins can be made via gas-phase, solution-phase, or slurry polymerization or any combination thereof, using any type of reactor or reactor configuration known in the art.

The term “Selected MDPE” refers to polyethylenes having densities from 0.924 g/cm³ to 0.936 g/cm³, as described in more detail subsequently herein.

The term “HDPE” refers to polyethylenes having densities greater than 0.935 g/cm³ and up to 0.980 g/cm³, which are generally prepared with Ziegler-Natta catalysts, chrome catalysts or single-site catalysts including, but not limited to, substituted mono- or bis-cyclopentadienyl catalysts (typically referred to as metallocene), constrained geometry catalysts, phosphinimine catalysts & polyvalent aryloxyether catalysts (typically referred to as bisphenyl phenoxy).

The term “ULDPE” refers to polyethylenes having densities of 0.855 g/cm³ to 0.912 g/cm³, which are generally prepared with Ziegler-Natta catalysts, chrome catalysts, or single-site catalysts including, but not limited to, substituted mono- or bis-cyclopentadienyl catalysts (typically referred to as metallocene), constrained geometry catalysts, phosphinimine catalysts & polyvalent aryloxyether catalysts (typically referred to as bisphenyl phenoxy). ULDPEs include, but are not limited to, polyethylene (ethylene-based) plastomers and polyethylene (ethylene-based) elastomers. Polyethylene (ethylene-based) elastomers plastomers generally have densities of 0.855 g/cm³ to 0.912 g/cm³.

“Blend,” “polymer blend,” and like terms mean a composition of two or more polymers. Such a blend may or may not be miscible. Such a blend may or may not be phase separated. Such a blend may or may not contain one or more domain configurations, as determined from transmission electron spectroscopy, light scattering, x-ray scattering, and any other method known in the art. Blends are not laminates, but one or more layers of a laminate may contain a blend. Such blends can be prepared as dry blends, formed in situ (e.g., in a reactor), melt blends, or using other techniques known to those of skill in the art.

“Multilayer structure” or “multilayer film” means any structure having more than one layer. For example, the multilayer structure (for example, a film) may have two, three, four, five, six, seven, or more layers. A multilayer structure may be described as having the layers designated with letters. For example, a three-layer structure designated as A/B/C may have a core layer, (B), and two external layers, (A) and (C).

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and their derivatives, are not intended to exclude the presence of any additional component, step or procedure, whether or not the same is specifically disclosed. In order to avoid any doubt, all compositions claimed through use of the term “comprising” may include any additional additive, adjuvant, or compound, whether polymeric or otherwise, unless stated to the contrary. In contrast, the term, “consisting essentially of” excludes from the scope of any succeeding recitation any other component, step or procedure, excepting those that are not essential to operability. The term “consisting of” excludes any component, step or procedure not specifically delineated or listed.

Multilayer Films

Reference will now be made to embodiments of multilayer films described herein.

Multilayer films of the present disclosure may include at least five layers and as many as seven, nine, eleven, thirteen or more layers. The number of layers in the multilayer film may depend on a number of factors including, for example, the composition of each layer in the multilayer film, the desired properties of the multilayer film, the desired end-use application of the multilayer film, the manufacturing process of the multilayer film, and others. As described in more detail herein, embodiments of the multilayer film may include a barrier layer, as described subsequently in this disclosure; one or more outer layers, as described subsequently in this disclosure; and one or more subskin layers, as described subsequently in this disclosure. The one or more subskin layers may include a Selected medium density polyethylene (MDPE) described in detail herein below. The Selected MDPE in the one or more subskin layers may be the same or different in composition.

The multilayer film may be a five-layer film designated as A/B/C/D/E, where the first layer may be designated as (A), the second layer may be designated as (B), the third layer may be designated as (C), the fourth layer may be designated as (D), and the fifth layer may be designated as (E). In embodiments, layer (C) may be referred to as a “middle layer” or “core layer.” In embodiments, layer (C) may be a barrier layer, as described subsequently in this disclosure. In embodiments, one or both of layer (A) and layer (E) may be outer layers, as described subsequently in this disclosure. In embodiments, one or both of layer (B) and layer (D) may be subskin layers, as described subsequently in this disclosure.

As stated previously, in embodiments, the third layer (C) may be the core layer of the five-layer film, which may be positioned between the second layer (B) and the fourth layer (D). In embodiments, the second layer (B) may be positioned between the first layer (A) and the third layer (C). In embodiments, the fourth layer (D) may be positioned between the third layer (C) and the fifth layer (E). In embodiments, one or both of the first layer (A) and the fifth layer (E) may be the outermost layers of the multilayer film. As used herein, the outermost layers of the multilayer film may be understood to mean there may not be another layer deposited over the outermost layer, such that the outermost layer is in direct contact with the surrounding air. In embodiments, one or both of the first layer (A) and the fifth layer (E) may not be the outermost layers of the multilayer film.

As used herein, “direct contact” means that there may not be any other layers positioned between the two layers that are in direct contact with one another. In embodiments, the first layer (A), the third layer (C), or both may be in direct contact with the second layer (B). In embodiments, the second layer (B), the fourth layer (D), or both may be in direct contact with the third layer (C). In embodiments, the third layer (C), the fifth layer (E), or both may be in direct contact with the fourth layer (D). In embodiments of the multilayer films comprising more than five layers, there may be additional layers positioned between layer (C) layer and one or more of layer (A) and layer (E).

In another embodiment, the multilayer film may be a seven-layer film designated as A/B/C/D/E/F/G, where the first layer may be designated as (A), the second layer may be designated as (B), the third layer may be designated as (C), the fourth layer may be designated as (D), the fifth layer may be designated as (E), the sixth layer may be designated as (F), and the seventh layer may be designated as (G). In embodiments of the seven-layer film, layer (D) may be referred to as a middle layer or core layer. In embodiments, layer (D) may be a barrier layer, as described subsequently in this disclosure. Layer (D) may include a polar material, as described subsequently in this disclosure. Layer (C) and layer (E) may be tie layers, as described subsequently in this disclosure. In embodiments of the seven-layer film, one or both of layer (A) and layer (G) may be outer layers, as described subsequently in this disclosure. One or both of layer (B) and layer (F) may be subskin layers, as described subsequently in this disclosure.

As stated previously, in embodiments of the seven-layer film, the fourth layer (D) may be the middle or core layer of the seven-layer film, which may be positioned between the third layer (C) and the fifth layer (E). In embodiments, the second layer (B) may be positioned between the first layer (A) and the third layer (C). In embodiments, the sixth layer (F) may be positioned between the fifth layer (E) and the seventh layer (G). In embodiments, the first layer (A) and the seventh layer (G) may be the outermost layers of the seven-layer film. In embodiments, one or both of the first layer (A) and the seventh layer (G) may not be the outermost layers of the multilayer film. In embodiments of the multilayer films comprising more than seven layers, there may be additional layers positioned between layer (D) layer and one or more of layer (A) and layer (E).

In embodiments of the seven-layer multilayer film, the first layer (A), the third layer (C), or both may be in direct contact with the second layer (B). In embodiments, the second layer (B), the fourth layer (D), or both may be in direct contact with the third layer (C). In embodiments, the third layer (C), the fifth layer (E), or both may be in direct contact with the fourth layer (D). In embodiments, the fourth layer (D), the sixth layer (F), or both may be in direct contact with the fifth layer (E). In embodiments, the fifth layer (E), the seventh layer (G), or both may be in direct contact with the sixth layer (F). In embodiments of the multilayer films comprising more than seven layers, there may be additional layers positioned between layer (D) layer and one or more of the layer (A) and layer (E).

In another embodiment, the multilayer film may be a nine-layer film designated as A/B/C/D/E/F/G/H/I, where the first layer may be designated as (A), the second layer may be designated as (B), the third layer may be designated as (C), the fourth layer may be designated as (D), the fifth layer may be designated as (E), the sixth layer may be designated as (F), the seventh layer may be designated as (G), the eighth layer may be designated as (H), and the ninth layer may be designated as (I). In embodiments of the nine-layer film, layer (E) may be referred to as a middle layer or core layer. In embodiments, layer (E) may be a barrier layer, as described subsequently in this disclosure. Layer (E) may include a polar material, as described subsequently in this disclosure. Layer (D) and layer (F) may be tie layers, as described subsequently in this disclosure. In embodiments of the nine-layer film, one or both of layer (A) and layer (I) may be outer layers, as described subsequently in this disclosure. One or more of layer (B), layer (C), layer (G), and layer (H) may be subskin layers, as described subsequently in this disclosure.

As stated previously, in embodiments of the nine-layer film, the fifth layer (E) may be the middle or core layer of the nine-layer film, which may be positioned between the fourth layer (D) and the sixth layer (F). In embodiments, the second layer (B) may be positioned between the first layer (A) and the third layer (C). In embodiments, the third layer (C) may be positioned between the second layer (B) and the fourth layer (D). In embodiments, the sixth layer (F) may be positioned between the fifth layer (E) and the seventh layer (G). In embodiments, the seventh layer (G) may be positioned between the sixth layer (F) and the eighth layer (H). In embodiments, the eighth layer (H) may be positioned between the seventh layer (G) and the ninth layer (I). In embodiments, the first layer (A) and the ninth layer (I) may be the outermost layers of the nine-layer film. In embodiments, the first layer (A) and the ninth layer (I) may not be the outermost layers of the nine-layer film. In embodiments of the multilayer films comprising more than nine layers, there may be additional layers positioned between layer (E) layer and one or more of layer (A) and layer (I).

In embodiments of the nine-layer multilayer film, the first layer (A), the third layer (C), or both may be in direct contact with the second layer (B). In embodiments, the second layer (B), the fourth layer (D), or both may be in direct contact with the third layer (C). In embodiments, the third layer (C), the fifth layer (E), or both may be in direct contact with the fourth layer (D). In embodiments, the fourth layer (D), the sixth layer (F), or both may be in direct contact with the fifth layer (E). In embodiments, the fifth layer (E), the seventh layer (G), or both may be in direct contact with the sixth layer (F). In embodiments, the sixth layer (F), the eighth layer (H), or both may be in direct contact with the seventh layer (G). In embodiments, the seventh layer (G), the ninth layer (I), or both may be in direct contact with the eighth layer (H). In embodiments of the multilayer films comprising more than nine layers, there may be additional layers positioned between the fourth layer (D) layer and one or more of the first layer (A) and the ninth layer (I).

It should be understood that any of the foregoing layers may further comprise one or more additives as known to those of skill in the art such as, for example, plasticizers, stabilizers including viscosity stabilizers, hydrolytic stabilizers, primary and secondary antioxidants, ultraviolet light absorbers, anti-static agents, dyes, pigments or other coloring agents, inorganic fillers, fire-retardants, lubricants, reinforcing agents such as glass fiber and flakes, synthetic (for example, aramid) fiber or pulp, foaming or blowing agents, processing aids, slip additives, antiblock agents such as silica or talc, release agents, tackifying resins, or combinations of two or more thereof. Inorganic fillers, such as calcium carbonate, and the like can also be incorporated into one or more of the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the skin layers, the subskin layers, the tie layers, the barrier layer, and combinations may each include up to 5 weight percent of such additional additives based on the total weight of the respective layer. All individual values and subranges from 0 wt. % to 5 wt. % are included and disclosed herein; for example, the total amount of additives in the first layer, the second layer, or the third layer can be from 0.5 wt. % to 5 wt. %, from 0.5 wt. % to 4 wt. %, from 0.5 wt. % to 3 wt. %, from 0.5 wt. % to 2 wt. %, from 0.5 wt. % to 1 wt. %, from 1 wt. % to 5 wt. %, from 1 wt. % to 4 wt. %, from 1 wt. % to 3 wt. %, from 1 wt. % to 2 wt. %, from 2 wt. % to 5 wt. %, from 2 wt. % to 4 wt. %, from 2 wt. % to 3 wt. %, from 3 wt. % to 5 wt. %, from 3 wt. % to 4 wt. %, or from 4 wt. % to 5 wt. % based on the total weight of the respective layer. The incorporation of the additives can be carried out by any known process such as, for example, by dry blending, by extruding a mixture of the various constituents, by the conventional master batch technique, or the like.

The multilayer films of the present disclosure can have a variety of thicknesses. The thickness of the multilayer film may depend on a number of factors including, for example, the number of layers in the multilayer film, the composition of the layers in the multilayer film, the desired properties of the multilayer film, the desired end-use application of the film, the manufacturing process of the multilayer film, and others. In embodiments, the multilayer film may have a thickness of less than 205 micrometers (μm or microns). In embodiments, the multilayer film may have a thickness of from 15 μm to 205 μm, from 20 μm to 180 μm, from 15 μm to 180 μm, from 15 μm to 160 μm, from 15 μm to 140 μm, from 15 μm to 120 μm, from 15 μm to 100 μm, from 15 μm to 80 μm, from 15 μm to 60 μm, from 15 μm to 40 μm, from 20 μm to 160 μm, from 20 μm to 140 μm, from 20 μm to 120 μm, from 20 μm to 100 μm, from 20 μm to 80 μm, from 20 μm to 60 μm, or from 20 μm to 40 μm.

The multilayer films of the present disclosure may have an overall density that depends on a number of factors including, for example, the number of layers in the multilayer film, the composition of the layers in the multilayer film, the desired properties of the multilayer film, the desired end-use application of the film, the manufacturing process of the multilayer film, and others. In embodiments, the multilayer film may have an overall density of at least 0.925 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). In embodiments, the overall density of the multilayer film may be from 0.925 g/cm³ to 0.970 g/cm³, 0.925 g/cm³ to 0.940 g/cm³, from 0.925 g/cm³ to 0.935 g/cm³, from 0.925 g/cm³ to 0.930 g/cm³, from 0.930 g/cm³ to 0.940 g/cm³, from 0.930 g/cm³ to 0.935 g/cm³, from 0.935 g/cm³ to 0.940 g/cm³, or from 0.935 g/cm³ to 0.950 g/cm³.

The multilayer films of the present disclosure may have an average 2% secant modulus in a machine direction of at least 250 MPa, when measured in accordance with ASTM D882. In embodiments, the multilayer film may have an average 2% secant modulus in a machine direction of at least 260 MPa, or 270 MPa, when measured in accordance with ASTM D882. The multilayer films of the present disclosure may have an average 2% secant modulus in a cross direction of at least 215 MPa, when measured in accordance with ASTM D882. In embodiments, the multilayer film may have an average 2% secant modulus in a cross direction of at least 245 MPa, 255 MPa, 260 MPa, or 265 MPa, when measured in accordance with ASTM D882.

The multilayer films of the present disclosure may have a puncture force of at least 1 Newton per micrometer of film (N/μm), when measured in accordance with ASTM D 5748-95. In embodiments, the multilayer films of the present disclosure may have a puncture force of from 1 N/μm to 1.5 N/μm, from 1 N to 1.25 N/μm, or from 1.25 N/μm to 1.5 N/μm, when measured in accordance with ASTM D 5748-95.

The multilayer films of the present disclosure may have a puncture elongation of at least 55 millimeters (mm), when measured in accordance with ASTM D 5748-95. In embodiments, the multilayer films of the present disclosure may have a puncture elongation of from 55 mm to 100 mm, from 55 mm to 80 mm, from 55 mm to 60 mm, from 60 mm to 100 mm, from 60 mm to 80 mm, or from 80 mm to 100 mm, when measured in accordance with ASTM D 5748-95.

The multilayer films of the present disclosure may have a dart drop impact resistance of at least 3.5 grams per micrometer of film (g/μm), when measured in accordance with ISO 7765-1. In embodiments, the multilayer films of the present disclosure may have a dart drop impact resistance of from 3.50 g/μm to 7.50 g/μm, from 3.50 g/μm to 6.25 g/μm, from 3.50 g/μm to 5.00 g/μm, from 5.00 g/μm to 7.50 g/μm, from 50 g/μm to 6.25 g/μm, or from 6.25 g/μm to 7.50 g/μm, when measured in accordance with ISO 7765-1.

Barrier Layer

As discussed above, the multilayer film may include a barrier layer. The term “barrier layer” as used herein, refers to a layer reduces vapor or gas diffusion into and out of the multilayer film. For example, a barrier layer may reduce aroma, water, or oxygen diffusion into and out of the multilayer film.

In embodiments, the barrier layer, which includes the polar material, may be the core layer of the multilayer film. For example, in embodiments of the five-layer multilayer film, the barrier layer may be layer (C); in embodiments of the seven-layer multilayer film, the barrier layer may be layer (D); in embodiments of the nine-layer multilayer film, the barrier layer may be layer (E).

As stated previously, the barrier layer may include a polar material. The term “polar material,” as used herein, refers to a polymer formed from at least one monomer that comprises at least one heteroatom. Some examples of heteroatoms include O, N, P and S. In various embodiments, the polar material has a melt index (I₂) (2.16 kg, 190° C.) from 0.1 g/10 min to 40 g/10 min, from 0.2 g/10 min to 20 g/10 min, or from 0.5 g/10 min to 10 g/10 min. In various embodiments, the polar material has a density from 1.00 g/cm³ to 1.30 g/cm³, or from 1.10 g/cm³ to 1.20 g/cm³ (1 cm³=1 cc).

In various embodiments, the polar material may be selected from an ethylene vinyl alcohol polymer (EVOH) (such as Eval H171B sold by Kuraray) or a combination of EVOH and polyamide (PA) (such as Nylon 6, Nylon 66, and Nylon 6/66 sold by DuPont). In various embodiments, barrier layer consists of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). In some embodiments, the barrier layer does not include polyamide or is substantially free of polyamide. As used herein, “substantially free” may mean that the barrier layer includes less than 1 wt. % polyamide, based on the total weight of the barrier layer. In embodiments, the barrier layer may include less than 0.5 wt. % or less than 0.1 wt. % polyamide.

It should be understood that in embodiments, the barrier layer including the polar material may comprise or consist of the polar material. In embodiments where the layer comprising polar material comprises polar material, the polar material may be blended with any polymer, including polyethylene, such as, for example, LLDPE, LDPE, ULDPE, MDPE, Selected MDPE, and HDPE.

In embodiments, the barrier layer of the multilayer films of the present disclosure can have a variety of thicknesses. The thickness of the barrier layer may depend on a number of factors including, for example, the composition of the barrier layer, the desired overall recyclability and barrier properties of the multilayer film, and others. In embodiments, the barrier layer may have a thickness of from 0.1 μm to 20 μm, from 0.1 μm to 15 μm, from 0.1 μm to 10 μm, from 0.1 μm to 5 μm, from 0.1 μm to 1 μm, from 0.1 μm to 0.5 μm, from 0.5 μm to 20 μm, from 0.5 μm to 15 μm, from 0.5 μm to 10 μm, from 0.5 μm to 5 μm, from 0.5 μm to 1 μm, from 1 μm to 20 μm, from 1 μm to 15 μm, from 1 μm to 10 μm, from 1 μm to 5 μm, from 5 μm to 20 μm, from 5 μm to 15 μm, from 5 μm to 10 μm, from 10 μm to 20 μm, from 10 μm to 15 μm, or from 15 μm to 20 μm.

The thickness of the barrier layer of the multilayer films disclosed herein may make up from 1% to 10%, from 1% to 8%, from 1% to 6%, from 1% to 4%, from 1% to 2%, from 2% to 10%, from 2% to 8%, from 2% to 6%, from 2% to 4%, from 4% to 10%, from 4% to 8%, from 4% to 6%, from 6% to 10%, from 6% to 8%, or from 8% to 10% of the total thickness of the multilayer film.

Tie Layers

The multilayer film may include one or more tie layers. The term “tie layer” as used herein, refers to a layer that adheres two layers together. For example a tie layer may bond polar materials to one or more layers that do not include polar materials. For instance, a tie layer may be placed adjacent to a layer comprising a polar material to adhere the layer comprising the polar material to a layer comprising polyethylene.

In embodiments, a tie layer may be placed adjacent to the barrier layer to adhere the barrier layer, comprising the polar material, to one or more layers including polyethylene, such as one or more subskin layers. For example, in embodiments of the seven-layer multilayer film, layer (C) and layer (E) may be tie layers; in embodiments of the nine-layer multilayer film, layer (D) and layer (F) may be tie layers.

In embodiments, a wide variety of polymers known to those of skill in the art as being useful for adhering a layer comprising polar material (such as, for example, EVOH or polyamide) to layers including polyethylene can be used for the tie layers, based on the teachings herein.

In embodiments, tie layers may include ethylene and acid copolymers. In one or more embodiments, the tie layers may include an anhydride-grafted ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer. The term, “anhydride-grafted ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer,” as used herein, refers to an ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer that comprises at least one anhydride group linked by a covalent bond. The anhydride-grafted ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer may be an ethylene-based polymer with an anhydride grafting monomer grafted thereto. Suitable ethylene-based polymers for the low-melt viscosity maleic anhydride-grafted polyolefin include, without limitation, polyethylene homopolymers and copolymers with α-olefins, copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate, and copolymers of ethylene and one or more alkyl (meth)acrylates. In specific embodiments, the anhydride-grafted ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer may comprise a maleic anhydride-grafted linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE).

In one or more embodiments, the anhydride-grafted ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer comprises up to 10 wt. %, up to 5 wt. %, or from 1 to 4 wt. % of the maleic anhydride grafting monomer, based on the total weight of the anhydride-grafted ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer. The weight percentage of the ethylene-based polymer is complementary to the amount of maleic anhydride grafting monomer, so that the sum of the weight percentages of the ethylene-based polymer and the maleic anhydride-grafted monomer is 100 wt. %. Thus, the anhydride-grafted ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer comprises up to 90 wt. %, up to 95 wt. %, or from 96 to 99 wt. %, based on the total weight of the maleic anhydride-grafted polyolefin, of the ethylene-based polymer.

Examples of anhydride grafting moieties may include but are not limited to, maleic anhydride, citraconic anhydride, 2-methyl maleic anhydride, 2-chloromaleic anhydride, 2,3-dimethylmaleic anhydride, bicyclo[2,2,1]-5-heptene-2,3-dicarboxylic anhydride and 4-methyl-4-cyclohexene-1,2-di carboxylic anhydride, bi cyclo(2.2.2)oct-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxylic acid anhydride, lo-octahydronaphthalene-2,3-dicarboxylic acid anhydride, 2-oxa-1,3-diketospiro(4.4)non-7-ene, bicyclo(2.2.1)hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxylic acid anhydride, tetrahydrophtalic anhydride, norbom-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxylic acid anhydride, nadic anhydride, methyl nadic anhydride, himic anhydride, methyl himic anhydride, and x-methyl-bi-cyclo(2.2.1)hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxylic acid anhydride. In one embodiment, the anhydride grafting moiety comprises maleic anhydride.

In further embodiments, the anhydride-grafted ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer has a density less than 0.940 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³), or from 0.855 g/cm³ to 0.940 g/cm³, as measured according to ASTM Method No. D792-91. Other density ranges may be from 0.855 g/cm³ to 0.900 g/cm³, from 0.855 g/cm³ to 0.880 g/cm³, from 0.855 g/cm³ to 0.860 g/cm³, from 0.860 g/cm³ to 0.940 g/cm³, from 0.860 g/cm³ to 0.910 g/cm³, from 0.860 g/cm³ to 0.880 g/cm³, from 0.880 g/cm³ to 0.910 g/cm³, or from 0.880 g/cm³ to 0.900 g/cm³.

In one or more embodiments, the anhydride-grafted ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer may have a melt index (I₂) of 300 grams per 10 minutes (g/10 min) to 1500 g/10 min, or from 300 g/10 min to 1000 g/10 min, from 500 g/10 min to 800 g/10 min, from 500 g/10 min to 600 g/10 min, from 600 g/10 min to 1000 g/10 min, from 600 g/10 min to 800 g/10 min, or from 800 g/10 min to 1000 g/10 min as determined in accordance with ASTM method D1238 at 190° C. and 2.16 kg.

In one or more embodiments, the anhydride-grafted ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer may have a melt viscosity of less than 200,000 cP when measured at 177° C. according to the test methods described subsequently in this disclosure. In embodiments, the anhydride-grafted ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer may have a melt viscosity of from 2,000 cP to 200,000 cP, from 2,000 cP to 100,000 cP, from 2,000 cP to 50,000 cP, from 2,000 cP to 10,000 cP, from 10,000 cP to 200,000 cP, from 10,000 cP to 100,000 cP, from 10,000 cP to 50,000 cP, from 50,000 cP to 200,000 cP, from 50,000 cP to 100,000 cP, or from 100,000 cP to 200,000 cP when measured at 177° C. according to the test methods described subsequently in this disclosure.

Various commercial embodiments are considered suitable. For example, suitable anhydride-grafted ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymers may be commercially available from The Dow Chemical Company under the trademark BYNEL® 41E710.

Various amounts of the ethylene and acid copolymer or anhydride-grafted ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer are contemplated as suitable within tie layers of the multilayer films described herein. In some embodiments, the tie layer may include from 20 wt. % or less ethylene and acid copolymer or anhydride-grafted ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer, based on the total weight of the tie layer. In embodiments, the tie layer may include from 5 wt. % to 15 wt. %, or from 10 wt. % to 15 wt. % ethylene and acid copolymer or anhydride-grafted ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer, based on the total weight of the tie layer. The remainder of the tie layer may be a polyethylene, such as an LDPE, HDPE, MDPE, or the Selected MDPE described in detail herein below.

Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the anhydride-grafted ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer may be placed adjacent to a layer comprising polar material to bind the layer comprising polar material to a non-polar layer. In embodiments, a tie layer may be placed in direct contact with a layer comprising polar material. In embodiments, a tie layer may be placed between, and in direct contact with, a layer comprising polar material and a layer comprising the Selected MDPE described in detail herein below.

In embodiments, each tie layer of the multilayer films of the present disclosure can have a variety of thicknesses. The thickness of each tie layer may depend on a number of factors including, for example, the adhesion properties of the tie layer. In embodiments, each tie layer may have a thickness of from 0.1 μm to 20 μm. In embodiments, each tie layer may have a thickness of from 0.1 μm to 15 μm, from 0.1 μm to 10 μm, from 0.1 μm to 5 μm, from 0.1 μm to 1 μm, from 0.1 μm to 0.5 μm, from 0.5 μm to 20 μm, from 0.5 μm to 15 μm, from 0.5 μm to 10 μm, from 0.5 μm to 5 μm, from 0.5 μm to 1 μm, from 1 μm to 20 μm, from 1 μm to 15 μm, from 1 μm to 10 μm, from 1 μm to 5 μm, from 5 μm to 20 μm, from 5 μm to 15 μm, from 5 μm to 10 μm, from 10 μm to 20 μm, from 10 μm to 15 μm, or from 15 μm to 20 μm.

The thickness of each tie layer of the multilayer films disclosed herein may make up from 1% to 10%, from 1% to 8%, from 1% to 6%, from 1% to 4%, from 1% to 2%, from 2% to 10%, from 2% to 8%, from 2% to 6%, from 2% to 4%, from 4% to 10%, from 4% to 8%, from 4% to 6%, from 6% to 10%, from 6% to 8%, or from 8% to 10% of the total thickness of the multilayer film.

Outer Layers

As stated previously, the presently disclosed multilayer films may include one or more outer layers. The term “outer layer” as used herein, refers to a layer that is outside of the barrier layer and subskin layer (where, for example, the barrier layer is considered the innermost layer). The outer layers may impart properties into the multilayer film that aid in stretch, processability, and others. An outer layer may also be referred to as a skin layer.

Outer layers may include sealant layers. A sealant layer is generally an outer layer of a film that can be used to adhere the film to other films, to rigid materials (e.g., trays), or to itself. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a variety of olefin-based polymers may be used as a sealant layer in various embodiments based on the teachings herein. In some embodiments, to facilitate recyclability, a polyethylene may be the primary component of each sealant layer. One non-limiting example of a resin that can be used as a sealant layer according to some embodiments is SEALUTION™ 220. Other resins that can be used to form sealant layers include, without limitation, AFFINITY™, ELITE AT™, and ELITE™, which are commercially available from The Dow Chemical Company.

For example, in embodiments of the five-layer multilayer film, layer (A) and layer (E) may be outer layers; in embodiments of the seven-layer multilayer film, layer (A) and layer (G) may be outer layers; in embodiments of the nine-layer multilayer film, layer (A) and layer (I) may be outer layers.

In embodiments, at least one outer layer may include the Selected MDPE described in detail herein below. In embodiments, the outer layer comprising Selected MDPE described herein below may be blended with a polyethylene having a density of from 0.870 g/cm³ to 0.970 g/cm³. In embodiments, at least one outer layer may include greater than 20% by weight Selected MDPE described herein below, based on the total weight of the respective layer. In one or more embodiments, each outer layer may include greater than 20% by weight Selected MDPE described herein below, based on the total weight of the respective layer. In some embodiments, each outer layer may include from 0 wt. % to 100 wt. %, from 30 wt. % to 100 wt. %, from 50 wt. % to 80 wt. %, from 50 wt. % to 60 wt. %, from 60 wt. % to 100 wt. %, from 60 wt. % to 80 wt. %, or from 80 wt. % to 100 wt. % of Selected MDPE described herein below, based on the total weight of the respective layer.

In some embodiments, outer layers that do not comprise the Selected MDPE described herein may include a polyethylene having a density of from 0.870 g/cm³ to 0.970 g/cm³. In embodiments, each outer layer may include an LLDPE, an HDPE, a Selected MDPE, an MDPE, an LDPE, and combinations thereof.

In one or more embodiments, each outer layer may include a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) having a density from 0.905 g/cm³ to 0.930 g/cm³ when measured according to ASTM D792. In another embodiment, the density of the linear low density polyethylene may be from 0.905 g/cm³ to 0.925 g/cm³, from 0.905 g/cm³ to 0.920 g/cm³, from 0.905 g/cm³ to 0.915 g/cm³, from 0.905 g/cm³ to 0.910 g/cm³, from 0.910 g/cm³ to 0.930 g/cm³, from 0.910 g/cm³ to 0.925 g/cm³, from 0.910 g/cm³ to 0.920 g/cm³, from 0.910 g/cm³ to 0.915 g/cm³, from 0.915 g/cm³ to 0.930 g/cm³, from 0.915 g/cm³ to 0.925 g/cm³, from 0.915 g/cm³ to 0.920 g/cm³, from 0.920 g/cm³ to 0.930 g/cm³, from 0.920 g/cm³ to 0.925 g/cm³, from 0.925 g/cm³ to 0.930 g/cm³.

In one or more embodiments, each outer layer may include a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) having a melt index (I₂) from 0.2 grams per 10 minutes (g/10 min) to 6.0 g/10 min when measured according to ASTM D1238. It is also contemplated that the melt index (I₂) of the linear low density polyethylene may be from 0.2 g/10 min to 5.5 g/10 min, from 0.2 g/10 min to 5.0 g/10 min, or from 0.2 g/10 min to 4.5 g/10 min, from 0.5 g/10 min to 4.0 g/10 min, from 0.5 g/10 min to 3.5 g/10 min, from 0.5 g/10 min to 3.0 g/10 min, from 1.0 g/10 min to 2.0 g/10 min from 1.0 g/10 min to 1.5 g/10 min, or from 1.5 g/10 min to 2.0 g/10 min.

According to embodiments, the linear low density polyethylene may have a molecular weight distribution, expressed as the ratio of the weight average molecular weight to number average molecular weight (Mw/Mn), in the range of from 3.5 to 5.5. In additional embodiments, the linear low density polyethylene may have a molecular weight distribution in the range from 3.5 to 4.5 or from 4.5 to 5.5.

According to one or more additional embodiments, the linear low density polyethylene may have a zero shear viscosity ratio of from 1.2 to 3.0, when measured according to the test methods described herein. In embodiments, the linear low density polyethylene may have a zero shear viscosity ratio of from 1.2 to 2.5, from 1.2 to 2.0, from 2.0 to 3.0, from 2.0 to 2.5, or from 2.5 to 3.0.

Various methodologies are contemplated for producing linear low density polyethylenes. For example, linear low density polyethylene resins may be made using Ziegler-Natta catalyst systems, resin made using single-site catalysts including, but not limited to, bis-metallocene catalysts and constrained geometry catalysts, and resin made using post-metallocene molecular catalysts. Linear low density polyethylene resins may include linear, substantially linear or heterogeneous polyethylene copolymers or homopolymers. Linear low density polyethylene resins may contain less long chain branching than LDPEs and include substantially linear polyethylenes, which are further defined in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,272,236, 5,278,272, 5,582,923 and 5,733,155; the homogeneously branched linear ethylene polymer compositions such as those in U.S. Pat. No. 3,645,992; the heterogeneously branched ethylene polymers such as those prepared according to the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,698; and blends thereof (such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,914,342 or 5,854,045). Linear low density polyethylene resins may be made via gas-phase, solution-phase or slurry polymerization or any combination thereof, using any type of reactor or reactor configuration known in the art.

In one or more embodiments, each outer layer may include greater than 50% by weight linear low density polyethylene, based on the total weight of the respective layer. In some embodiments, the second layer, the third layer, or both may include from 50 wt. % to 100 wt. %, from 50 wt. % to 80 wt. %, from 50 wt. % to 60 wt. %, from 60 wt. % to 100 wt. %, from 60 wt. % to 80 wt. %, or from 80 wt. % to 100 wt. % of LLDPE, based on the total weight of the respective layer.

In embodiments, each outer layer may include a high density polyethylene (HDPE) having a density from 0.935 g/cm³ and up to 0.980 g/cm³ when measured according to ASTM D792. In another embodiment, the high density polyethylene may a density from 0.935 g/cm³ to 0.970 g/cm³, from 0.935 g/cm³ to 0.960 g/cm³, from 0.935 g/cm³ to 0.950 g/cm³, from 0.935 g/cm³ to 0.940 g/cm³, from 0.940 g/cm³ to 0.980 g/cm³, from 0.940 g/cm³ to 0.970 g/cm³, from 0.940 g/cm³ to 0.960 g/cm³, from 0.940 g/cm³ to 0.950 g/cm³, from 0.950 g/cm³ to 0.980 g/cm³, from 0.950 g/cm³ to 0.970 g/cm³, from 0.950 g/cm³ to 0.960 g/cm³, from 0.960 g/cm³ to 0.980 g/cm³, from 0.960 g/cm³ to 0.970 g/cm³, or from 0.970 g/cm³ to 0.980 g/cm³.

In one or more embodiments, each outer layer may include a high density polyethylene having a melt index (I₂) from 0.1 grams per 10 minutes (g/10 min) to 10.0 g/10 min when measured according to ASTM D1238 at a load of 2.16 kg and temperature of 190° C. It is also contemplated that the melt index (I₂) of the high density polyethylene may be from 0.1 g/10 min to 5.0 g/10 min, from 0.1 g/10 min to 1.0 g/10 min, or from 1.0 g/10 min to 10.0 g/10 min, from 1.0 g/10 min to 5.0 g/10 min, or from 5.0 g/10 min to 10.0 g/10 min.

Various methodologies are contemplated for producing high density polyethylene. For example, high density polyethylene resins may be made using Ziegler-Natta catalyst systems, chrome catalysts or single-site catalysts including, but not limited to, bis-metallocene catalysts and constrained geometry catalysts.

In one or more embodiments, each outer layer may include up to 50% by weight of high density polyethylene, based on the total weight of the respective layer. In some embodiments, each outer layer may include from 0 wt. % to 90 wt. %, from 15 wt. % to 80 wt. %, from 15 wt. % to 50 wt. %, from 20 wt. % to 50 wt. %, from 30 wt. % to 40 wt. %, or from 35 wt. % to 50 wt. % of high density polyethylene, based on the total weight of the respective layer.

The term “MDPE,” when used alone (i.e., not Selected MDPE) refers to polyethylenes having densities from 0.917 to 0.936 g/cm³. “MDPE” is typically made using chromium or Ziegler-Natta catalysts or using single-site catalysts including, but not limited to, substituted mono- or bis-cyclopentadienyl catalysts (typically referred to as metallocene), constrained geometry catalysts, phosphinimine catalysts and polyvalent aryloxyether catalysts (typically referred to as bisphenyl phenoxy). It should be noted that MDPE may be used in one or more of the outer layers.

In one or more embodiments, each outer layer may include up to 50% by weight of MDPE, based on the total weight of the respective layer. In some embodiments, each outer layer may include from 0 wt. % to 90 wt. %, from 15 wt. % to 80 wt. %, from 15 wt. % to 50 wt. %, from 20 wt. % to 50 wt. %, from 30 wt. % to 40 wt. %, or from 35 wt. % to 50 wt. % of MDPE, based on the total weight of the respective layer.

In embodiments, each outer layer may include a low density polyethylene (LDPE). In one or more embodiments, the low density polyethylene may have a melt index from 0.1 g/10 min to 10.0 g/10 min when measured according to ASTM D1238 at a load of 2.16 kg and temperature of 190° C. In embodiments, the low density polyethylene may have a melt index from 0.1 g/10 min to 5.0 g/10 min, or from 0.5 g/10 min to 5.0 g/10 min, or from 0.5 g/10 min to 2.0 g/10 min. In embodiments, the low density polyethylene may have a density of from 0.916 g/cm³ to 0.935 g/cm³ when measured according to ASTM D792. In another embodiment, the low density polyethylene may a density from 0.916 g/cm³ to 0.925 g/cm³.

In one or more embodiments, each outer layer may include less than 50% by weight low density polyethylene, based on the total weight of the respective layer. In some embodiments, each outer layer may include from 0 wt. % to 50 wt. %, from 0 wt. % to 40 wt. %, from 0 wt. % to 35 wt. %, from 5 wt. % to 35 wt. %, from 10 wt. % to 35 wt. %, or from 15 wt. % to 35 wt. % low density polyethylene, based on the total weight of the respective layer.

In embodiments, the outer layers of the multilayer films of the present disclosure can have a variety of thicknesses. The thickness of each outer layer may depend on a number of factors including, for example, the composition of each outer layer, the desired processability properties of the multilayer film, and others. In embodiments, each outer layer may have a thickness of from 1 micrometers (μm or microns) to 40 μm. In embodiments, each outer layer may have a thickness of from 1 μm to 40 μm, from 1 μm to 30 μm, from 1 μm to 20 μm, from 1 μm to 10 μm, from 10 μm to 40 μm, from 10 μm to 30 μm, from 10 μm to 20 μm, from 20 μm to 40 μm, from 20 μm to 30 μm, or from 30 μm to 40 μm.

The thickness of each outer layer of the multilayer films disclosed herein may make up from 5% to 20% of the total thickness of the multilayer film. In some embodiments, the thickness of each outer layer may make up from 5% to 15%, from 5% to 10%, from 10% to 20%, from 10% to 15%, or from 15% to 20% of the total thickness of the multilayer film.

Subskin Layers

As stated previously, the presently disclosed multilayer films may include one or more subskin layers. As used herein, a subskin layer may refer to a layer positioned between the barrier layer and an outer layer of a multilayer film. In various embodiments, each subskin layer may include one or more materials that impart improved dart and puncture properties into the multilayer film as compared to conventional multilayer films.

In embodiments, the multilayer film may be the five-layer film designated as A/B/C/D/E, where layer (B) and layer (D) may be subskin layers. In embodiments, the multilayer film may be the seven-layer film designated as A/B/C/D/E/F/G, where layer (B), layer (C), layer (E), and layer (F) may be subskin layers. In embodiments, the multilayer film may be the nine-layer film designated as A/B/C/D/E/F/G/H/I, where layer (B), layer (C), layer (G), and layer (H) may be subskin layers.

In embodiments comprising multiple subskin layers, each subskin layer may include the same materials, or each subskin layer may include different materials. For example, in the five-layer film designated as A/B/C/D/E, layer (B) and layer (D) may include the same materials or different materials. In the seven-layer film designated as A/B/C/D/E/F/G, one or more of layer (B), layer (C), layer (E), and layer (F) may include the same materials or different materials. In the nine-layer film designated as A/B/C/D/E/F/G/H/I, e or more of layer (B), layer (C), layer (G), and layer (H) may include the same materials or different materials.

In embodiments, at least one subskin layer may include the Selected MDPE described in detail herein below. In embodiments, the subskin layer comprising Selected MDPE described herein below may be blended with a polyethylene having a density of from 0.870 g/cm³ to 0.970 g/cm³. In embodiments, at least one subskin layer may include greater than 20% by weight Selected MDPE described herein below, based on the total weight of the respective layer. In one or more embodiments, each subskin layer may include greater than 20% by weight Selected MDPE described herein below, based on the total weight of the respective layer. In some embodiments, each subskin layer may include from 30 wt. % to 100 wt. %, from 50 wt. % to 80 wt. %, from 50 wt. % to 60 wt. %, from 60 wt. % to 100 wt. %, from 60 wt. % to 80 wt. %, or from 80 wt. % to 100 wt. % of Selected MDPE described herein below, based on the total weight of the respective layer.

In some embodiments, subskin layers that do not comprise the Selected MDPE described herein may include a polyethylene having a density of from 0.870 g/cm³ to 0.970 g/cm³. In embodiments, each subskin layer may include an LLDPE, an HDPE, a Selected MDPE, an MDPE, an LDPE, and combinations thereof.

In one or more embodiments, each subskin layer may include a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) having a density from 0.905 g/cm³ to 0.930 g/cm³ when measured according to ASTM D792. In another embodiment, the density of the linear low density polyethylene may be from 0.905 g/cm³ to 0.925 g/cm³, from 0.905 g/cm³ to 0.920 g/cm³, from 0.905 g/cm³ to 0.915 g/cm³, from 0.905 g/cm³ to 0.910 g/cm³, from 0.910 g/cm³ to 0.930 g/cm³, from 0.910 g/cm³ to 0.925 g/cm³, from 0.910 g/cm³ to 0.920 g/cm³, from 0.910 g/cm³ to 0.915 g/cm³, from 0.915 g/cm³ to 0.930 g/cm³, from 0.915 g/cm³ to 0.925 g/cm³, from 0.915 g/cm³ to 0.920 g/cm³, from 0.920 g/cm³ to 0.930 g/cm³, from 0.920 g/cm³ to 0.925 g/cm³, from 0.925 g/cm³ to 0.930 g/cm³.

In one or more embodiments, each subskin layer may include a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) having a melt index (I₂) from 0.2 grams per 10 minutes (g/10 min) to 6.0 g/10 min when measured according to ASTM D1238. It is also contemplated that the melt index (I₂) of the linear low density polyethylene may be from 0.2 g/10 min to 5.5 g/10 min, from 0.2 g/10 min to 5.0 g/10 min, or from 0.2 g/10 min to 4.5 g/10 min, from 0.5 g/10 min to 4.0 g/10 min, from 0.5 g/10 min to 3.5 g/10 min, from 0.5 g/10 min to 3.0 g/10 min, from 1.0 g/10 min to 2.0 g/10 min from 1.0 g/10 min to 1.5 g/10 min, or from 1.5 g/10 min to 2.0 g/10 min.

According to embodiments, the linear low density polyethylene may have a molecular weight distribution, expressed as the ratio of the weight average molecular weight to number average molecular weight (Mw/Mn), in the range of from 3.5 to 5.5. In additional embodiments, the linear low density polyethylene may have a molecular weight distribution in the range from 3.5 to 4.5 or from 4.5 to 5.5.

According to one or more additional embodiments, the linear low density polyethylene may have a zero shear viscosity ratio of from 1.2 to 3.0, when measured according to the test methods described herein. In embodiments, the linear low density polyethylene may have a zero shear viscosity ratio of from 1.2 to 2.5, from 1.2 to 2.0, from 2.0 to 3.0, from 2.0 to 2.5, or from 2.5 to 3.0.

Various methodologies are contemplated for producing linear low density polyethylenes. For example, linear low density polyethylene resins may be made using Ziegler-Natta catalyst systems, resin made using single-site catalysts including, but not limited to, bis-metallocene catalysts and constrained geometry catalysts, and resin made using post-metallocene molecular catalysts. Linear low density polyethylene resins may include linear, substantially linear or heterogeneous polyethylene copolymers or homopolymers. Linear low density polyethylene resins may contain less long chain branching than LDPEs and include substantially linear polyethylenes, which are further defined in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,272,236, 5,278,272, 5,582,923 and 5,733,155; the homogeneously branched linear ethylene polymer compositions such as those in U.S. Pat. No. 3,645,992; the heterogeneously branched ethylene polymers such as those prepared according to the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,698; and blends thereof (such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,914,342 or 5,854,045). Linear low density polyethylene resins may be made via gas-phase, solution-phase or slurry polymerization or any combination thereof, using any type of reactor or reactor configuration known in the art.

In one or more embodiments, each subskin layer may include from 0 wt. % to 80 wt. %, from 0 wt. % to 60 wt. %, from 0 wt. % to 40 wt. %, from 0 wt. % to 20 wt. %, from 20 wt. % to 80 wt. %, from 20 wt. % to 60 wt. %, from 20 wt. % to 40 wt. %, from 40 wt. % to 80 wt. %, from 40 wt. % to 60 wt. %, or from 60 wt. % to 80 wt. %, of LLDPE, based on the total weight of the respective layer.

In embodiments, each subksin layer may include a low density polyethylene (LDPE). In one or more embodiments, the low density polyethylene may have a melt index from 0.1 g/10 min to 10.0 g/10 min when measured according to ASTM D1238 at a load of 2.16 kg and temperature of 190° C. In embodiments, the low density polyethylene may have a melt index from 0.1 g/10 min to 5.0 g/10 min, or from 0.5 g/10 min to 5.0 g/10 min, or from 0.5 g/10 min to 2.0 g/10 min. In embodiments, the low density polyethylene may have a density of from 0.916 g/cm³ to 0.935 g/cm³ when measured according to ASTM D792. In another embodiment, the low density polyethylene may a density from 0.916 g/cm³ to 0.925 g/cm³.

In one or more embodiments, each subskin layer may include less than 50% by weight LDPE, based on the total weight of the respective layer. In some embodiments, each subskin layer may include from 0 wt. % to 50 wt. %, from 0 wt. % to 40 wt. %, from 0 wt. % to 35 wt. %, from 5 wt. % to 35 wt. %, from 10 wt. % to 35 wt. %, or from 15 wt. % to 35 wt. % LDPE, based on the total weight of the respective layer.

The term “MDPE,” when used alone (i.e., not Selected MDPE) refers to polyethylenes having densities from 0.917 to 0.936 g/cm³. “MDPE” is typically made using chromium or Ziegler-Natta catalysts or using single-site catalysts including, but not limited to, substituted mono- or bis-cyclopentadienyl catalysts (typically referred to as metallocene), constrained geometry catalysts, phosphinimine catalysts and polyvalent aryloxyether catalysts (typically referred to as bisphenyl phenoxy). It should be noted that MDPE may be used in one or more layers.

In one or more embodiments, each subskin layer may include greater than 20% by weight MDPE, based on the total weight of the respective layer. In some embodiments, each subskin layer may include from 30 wt. % to 100 wt. %, from 50 wt. % to 80 wt. %, from 50 wt. % to 60 wt. %, from 60 wt. % to 100 wt. %, from 60 wt. % to 80 wt. %, or from 80 wt. % to 100 wt. % MDPE, based on the total weight of the respective layer.

In embodiments, each subskin layer may include a high density polyethylene (HDPE) having a density from 0.935 g/cm³ and up to 0.980 g/cm³ when measured according to ASTM D792. In another embodiment, the HDPE may a density from 0.935 g/cm³ to 0.970 g/cm³, from 0.935 g/cm³ to 0.960 g/cm³, from 0.935 g/cm³ to 0.950 g/cm³, from 0.935 g/cm³ to 0.940 g/cm³, from 0.940 g/cm³ to 0.980 g/cm³, from 0.940 g/cm³ to 0.970 g/cm³, from 0.940 g/cm³ to 0.960 g/cm³, from 0.940 g/cm³ to 0.950 g/cm³, from 0.950 g/cm³ to 0.980 g/cm³, from 0.950 g/cm³ to 0.970 g/cm³, from 0.950 g/cm³ to 0.960 g/cm³, from 0.960 g/cm³ to 0.980 g/cm³, from 0.960 g/cm³ to 0.970 g/cm³, or from 0.970 g/cm³ to 0.980 g/cm³.

In one or more embodiments, each subskin layer may include an HDPE having a melt index (I₂) from 0.1 grams per 10 minutes (g/10 min) to 10.0 g/10 min when measured according to ASTM D1238 at a load of 2.16 kg and temperature of 190° C. It is also contemplated that the melt index (I₂) of the high density polyethylene may be from 0.1 g/10 min to 5.0 g/10 min, from 0.1 g/10 min to 1.0 g/10 min, or from 1.0 g/10 min to 10.0 g/10 min, from 1.0 g/10 min to 5.0 g/10 min, or from 5.0 g/10 min to 10.0 g/10 min.

Various methodologies are contemplated for producing high density polyethylene. For example, HDPE resins may be made using Ziegler-Natta catalyst systems, chrome catalysts or single-site catalysts including, but not limited to, bis-metallocene catalysts and constrained geometry catalysts.

In one or more embodiments, each subskin layer may include up to 50% by weight of HDPE, based on the total weight of the respective layer. In some embodiments, each subskin layer may include from 0 wt. % to 90 wt. %, from 15 wt. % to 80 wt. %, from 15 wt. % to 50 wt. %, from 20 wt. % to 50 wt. %, from 30 wt. % to 40 wt. %, or from 35 wt. % to 50 wt. % of HDPE, based on the total weight of the respective layer.

In embodiments, each subskin layer of the multilayer films of the present disclosure can have a variety of thicknesses. The thickness of each subskin layer may depend on a number of factors including, for example, the composition of the subskin layer, the desired overall dart and puncture properties of the multilayer film, and others. In embodiments, each subskin layer may have a thickness of from 1 micrometers μm to 85 μm. In embodiments, each outer layer may have a thickness of from 1 μm to 80 μm, from 1 μm to 60 μm, from 1 μm to 40 μm, from 1 μm to 20 μm, from 20 μm to 80 μm, from 20 μm to 60 μm, from 20 μm to 40 μm, from 40 μm to 80 μm, from 40 μm to 60 μm, or from 60 μm to 80 μm.

The thickness of each subskin layer of the multilayer films disclosed herein may make up from 5% to 40% of the total thickness of the multilayer film. In some embodiments, each subskin layer may make up from 5% to 20 wt. %, from 5% to 15%, from 5% to 10%, from 10% to 40%, from 10% to 20%, from 10% to 15%, from 15% to 40%, from 15% to 20%, or from 20% to 40% of the total thickness of the multilayer film.

Additional Layers

As described above, multilayer films according to embodiments may include layers in addition to the barrier layer, the outer layers, and the subskin layers. Such additional layers may include additional layers comprising polyethylene, which may include Selected MDPE described in detail herein below and may, in embodiments, not include Selected MDPE described in detail herein below. In one or more embodiments, the additional polyethylene layers may include a blend of LLDPE, LDPE, MDPE, HDPE, Selected MDPE described in detail herein below, and combinations thereof. The various polyethylene components (e.g., LLDPE, LDPE, HDPE, and Selected MDPE described in detail herein below) may be included in the additional polyethylene layer in any amount desired according to the properties of the multilayer film that are to be achieved. Such additional layers may alternatively or additionally include one or more additional tie layers.

Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment

In an exemplary embodiment (the “Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment”), the multilayer film may be a seven-layer film designated as A/B/C/D/E/F/G, where the first layer may be designated as (A), the second layer may be designated as (B), the third layer may be designated as (C), the fourth layer may be designated as (D), the fifth layer may be designated as (E), the sixth layer may be designated as (F), and the seventh layer may be designated as (G).

In the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment, the fourth layer (D) may be the middle or core layer of the seven-layer film, which may be positioned between the third layer (D) and the fifth layer (E). In the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment, the second layer (B) may be positioned between the first layer (A) and the third layer (C). In the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment, the sixth layer (F) may be positioned between the fifth (E) layer and the seventh layer (G). In the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment, the first layer (A) and the seventh layer (G) may be the outermost layers of the multilayer film.

In the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment, the first layer, the third layer, or both may be in direct contact with the second layer. In the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment, the second layer, the fourth layer, or both may be in direct contact with the third layer. In the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment, the third layer, the fifth layer, or both may be in direct contact with the fourth layer. In the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment, the fourth layer, the sixth layer, or both may be in direct contact with the fifth layer. In the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment, the fifth layer, the seventh layer, or both may be in direct contact with the sixth layer.

The Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment may have two outer layers that each include polyethylene, a first subskin layer that includes a first Selected MDPE, a second subskin layer that includes a second Selected MDPE, a barrier layer that includes a polar material, and two tie layers adjacent to each side of the barrier layer. In embodiments, the polar material is ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). In the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment, layer (A) and layer (G) may be outer layers, layer (B) and layer (F) may be subskin layers, layer (C) and layer (E) may be tie layers, and layer (D) may be a barrier layer.

When utilized in a film, the Selected MDPE described in detail herein below may exhibit a balance of toughness and modulus, which allows for multilayer films of the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment to exhibit improved abuse properties (i.e., dart, puncture energy, tear) combined with improved modulus. For example, utilizing the Selected MDPE described in detail herein below in combination with a barrier layer comprising EVOH as a polar material, a multilayer film can be produced having sufficient properties along with improved recyclability, as compared to conventional multilayer films.

The multilayer film of the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment may have a variety of thicknesses. In embodiments, the multilayer film of the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment may have a thickness of less than 205 micrometers (μm or microns). In embodiments, the multilayer film of the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment may have a thickness of from 25 μm to 200 μm, from 25 μm to 150 μm, from 25 μm to 100 μm, from 25 μm to 75 μm, from 25 μm to 50 μm, from 50 μm to 200 μm, from 50 μm to 150 μm, from 50 μm to 100 μm, from 50 μm to 75 μm, from 75 μm to 200 μm, from 75 μm to 150 μm, from 75 μm to 100 μm, from 100 μm to 200 μm, from 100 μm to 150 μm, or from 150 μm to 200 μm.

The barrier layer of the multilayer film of the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment comprises EVOH as a polar material. In embodiments, the barrier layer of the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment consists of EVOH. The barrier layer of the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment may make up from 1% to 10% of the total thickness of the multilayer film of the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment. In some embodiments, the barrier layer may make up from 1% to 10%, from 1% to 8%, from 1% to 6%, from 1% to 4%, from 1% to 2%, from 2% to 10%, from 2% to 8%, from 2% to 6%, from 2% to 4%, from 4% to 10%, from 4% to 8%, from 4% to 6%, from 6% to 10%, from 6% to 8%, or from 8% to 10% of the total thickness of the multilayer film of the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment.

In the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment, the tie layers may include the anhydride-grafted ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer as described above or a blend of the anhydride-grafted ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer and Selected MDPE as described in detail herein below. The tie layers of the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment may help adhere the barrier layer to layers that do not comprise polar materials, such as the subskin layers. The tie layers of the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment may make up a combined distribution of from 1% to 20%, from 1% to 15%, from 1% to 10%, from 1% to 5%, from 5% to 20%, from 5% to 15%, from 5% to 10%, from 10% to 20%, from 10% to 15%, or from 15% to 20% of the total thickness of the multilayer film of the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment.

In the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment, the layers (B) and (F) may be adjacent to the tie layers (C) and (E), respectively. In the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment, the layers (B) and (F) may be in direct contact with the tie layers (C) and (E), respectively. The layers (B) and (F) each include Selected MDPE described in detail herein below. In the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment, layer (B) and layer (D) may have the same composition or different compositions.

In the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment, the layers (B) and (F) may each include greater than 10% by weight Selected MDPE described herein below, based on the total weight of the respective layer. In some embodiments, each subskin layer may include from 30 wt. % to 100 wt. %, from 50 wt. % to 80 wt. %, from 50 wt. % to 60 wt. %, from 60 wt. % to 100 wt. %, from 60 wt. % to 80 wt. %, or from 80 wt. % to 100 wt. % of Selected MDPE described herein below, based on the total weight of the respective layer.

In the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment, layers (B) and (F) may each include less than 50% by weight LDPE, based on the total weight of the respective layer. In some embodiments, layers (B) and (F) may each include from 0 wt. % to 50 wt. %, from 0 wt. % to 40 wt. %, from 0 wt. % to 35 wt. %, from 5 wt. % to 35 wt. %, from 10 wt. % to 35 wt. %, or from 15 wt. % to 35 wt. % LDPE, based on the total weight of the respective layer.

In the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment, the layers (B) and (F) together comprise from 10% to 80%, from 10% to 60%, from 10% to 40%, from 10% to 20%, from 20% to 80%, from 20% to 60%, from 20% to 40%, from 40% to 80%, from 40% to 60%, or from 60% to 80% of the thickness multilayer film of the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment.

Layers (A) and (G) of the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment include polyethylene. In the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment, the layer (A) may be adjacent to layer (B), and layer (G) may be adjacent to layer (F). In the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment, the layer (A) may be in direct contact with layer (B), and layer (G) may be in direct contact with layer (F). In embodiments, layer (A) and layer (G) may have the same composition or different compositions.

Each of the layers (A) and (G) of the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment independently include greater than 20% by weight LLDPE, based on the total weight of the respective layer. In some embodiments, each of the layers (A) and (G) may include from 30 wt. % to 100 wt. %, from 50 wt. % to 80 wt. %, from 50 wt. % to 60 wt. %, from 60 wt. % to 100 wt. %, from 60 wt. % to 80 wt. %, or from 80 wt. % to 100 wt. % of LLDPE, based on the total weight of the respective layer.

In the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment, layers (A) and (G) may each include less than 50% by weight LDPE, based on the total weight of the respective layer. In some embodiments, layers (A) and (G) may each include from 0 wt. % to 50 wt. %, from 0 wt. % to 40 wt. %, from 0 wt. % to 35 wt. %, from 5 wt. % to 35 wt. %, from 10 wt. % to 35 wt. %, or from 15 wt. % to 35 wt. % LDPE, based on the total weight of the respective layer.

In the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment, the layers (A) and (G) together comprise from 10% to 40%, from 10% to 20%, or from 20% to 40 of the thickness multilayer film of the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment.

As discussed above, using Selected MDPE as described in detail herein below as a component in multilayer films, such as the multilayer film described the Exemplary Seven-Layer Embodiment, in place of conventional multilayer films including polyamide, may provide a multilayer film that has improved balance of dart impact resistance and stiffness (measured at 2% Secant Modulus).

Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment

In another exemplary embodiment (the “Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment”), the multilayer film may be a nine-layer film designated as A/B/C/D/E/F/G/H/I, where the first layer may be designated as (A), the second layer may be designated as (B), the third layer may be designated as (C), the fourth layer may be designated as (D), the fifth layer may be designated as (E), the sixth layer may be designated as (F), the seventh layer may be designated as (G), the eighth layer may be designated as (H), and the ninth layer may be designated as (I). In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, layer (E) may be referred to as a middle layer or core layer. The Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment may include two outer layers that each include polyethylene, a first subskin layer, a second subskin layer, a third subskin layer, a fourth subskin layer, a barrier material layer, and two tie layers adjacent to each side of the barrier layer. In Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, layer (E) may be a barrier layer; layer (D) and layer (F) may be tie layers; one or both of layer (A) and layer (I) may be outer layers; and one or more of layer (B), layer (C), layer (G), and layer (H) may be subskin layers. Layer (B) may be referred to as “the first subskin layer,” layer (C) may be referred to as “the second subskin layer,” layer (G) may be referred to as “the third subskin layer,” and layer (H) may be referred to as “the fourth subskin layer.” The Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment may include a barrier layer comprising ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH). In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, one or more of the first subskin layer, the second subskin layer, the third subskin layer, and the fourth subskin layer may include a Selected MDPE as described in detail herein below.

As stated previously, in the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the fifth layer (E) may be the middle or core layer of the nine-layer film, which may be positioned between the fourth layer (D) and the sixth layer (F). In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the second layer (B) may be positioned between the first layer (A) and the third layer (C). In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the third layer (C) may be positioned between the second layer (B) and the fourth layer (D). In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the sixth layer (F) may be positioned between the fifth layer (E) and the seventh layer (G). In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the seventh layer (G) may be positioned between the sixth layer (F) and the eighth layer (H). In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the eighth layer (H) may be positioned between the seventh layer (G) and the ninth layer (I). In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the first layer (A) and the ninth layer (I) may be the outermost layers of the nine-layer film.

In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the first layer (A), the third layer (C), or both may be in direct contact with the second layer (B). In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the second layer (B), the fourth layer (D), or both may be in direct contact with the third layer (C). In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the third layer (C), the fifth layer (E), or both may be in direct contact with the fourth layer (D). In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the fourth layer (D), the sixth layer (F), or both may be in direct contact with the fifth layer (E). In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the fifth layer (E), the seventh layer (G), or both may be in direct contact with the sixth layer (F). In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the sixth layer (F), the eighth layer (H), or both may be in direct contact with the seventh layer (G). In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the seventh layer (G), the ninth layer (I), or both may be in direct contact with the eighth layer (H).

When utilized in the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the Selected MDPE described in detail herein below may exhibit a balance of toughness and modulus, which allows for multilayer films of the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment to exhibit improved abuse properties (i.e., dart, puncture energy, tear) combined with improved modulus. For example, utilizing the Selected MDPE described in detail herein below in combination with a layer comprising EVOH as a polar material, multilayer films of the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment can be produced having sufficient properties along with improved recyclability, as compared to conventional multilayer films.

The multilayer film of the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment can have a variety of thicknesses. In embodiments, the multilayer film of the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment may have a thickness of less than 205 micrometers (μm or microns). In embodiments, the multilayer film may have a thickness of from 25 μm to 150 μm. In embodiments, the multilayer film may have an overall thickness of from 25 μm to 100 μm, from 25 μm to 75 μm, from 25 μm to 50 μm, from 50 μm to 150 μm, from 50 μm to 100 μm, from 50 μm to 75 μm, from 75 μm to 150 μm, from 75 μm to 100 μm, or from 100 μm to 150 μm.

The barrier layer of the multilayer film of the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment may comprise EVOH as the polar material. The barrier layer of the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment may consist of EVOH. The barrier layer of the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment may make up from 1% to 10% of the total thickness of the multilayer film of the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment. In some embodiments, the barrier layer may make up from 1% to 10%, from 1% to 8%, from 1% to 6%, from 1% to 4%, from 1% to 2%, from 2% to 10%, from 2% to 8%, from 2% to 6%, from 2% to 4%, from 4% to 10%, from 4% to 8%, from 4% to 6%, from 6% to 10%, from 6% to 8%, or from 8% to 10% of the total thickness of the multilayer film of the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment.

In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the tie layers may include the anhydride-grafted ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer as described above or a blend of the anhydride-grafted ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer and Selected MDPE as described in detail herein below. The tie layers of the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment may help adhere the barrier layer to layers that do not comprise polar materials, such as the subskin layers. The tie layers of the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment may make up a combined distribution of from 1% to 20%, from 1% to 15%, from 1% to 10%, from 1% to 5%, from 5% to 20%, from 5% to 15%, from 5% to 10%, from 10% to 20%, from 10% to 15%, or from 15% to 20% of the total thickness of the multilayer film of the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment.

In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the layers (C) and (G) may be adjacent to the tie layers (D) and (F), respectively. In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the layers (C) and (G) may be in direct contact with the tie layers (D) and (F), respectively. In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, layer (B) may be adjacent to layer (A) and layer (C), and (H) may be adjacent to layer (G) and layer (I). In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, layer (B) may be in direct contact with layer (A) and layer (C), and (H) may be in direct contact with layer (G) and layer (I).

In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, one or more of layers (B), (C), (G), and (H) may have the same compositions or different compositions. In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the layers (C) and (G) may have the same composition. In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the layers (B), and (H) may have the same composition.

In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, layer (B) may include a first Selected MDPE. Layer (C) may include a second Selected MDPE. Layer (G) may include a third Selected MDPE. Layer (H) may include a fourth Selected MDPE. In embodiments, the first Selected MDPE, the second Selected MDPE, the third Selected MDPE, and the fourth Selected MDPE may all be different compositions. In embodiments, the first Selected MDPE and the fourth Selected MDPE may be the same composition. In embodiments, the second Selected MDPE and the third MDPE may be the same composition. In embodiments, the first Selected MDPE, the second Selected MDPE, the third Selected MDPE, and the fourth Selected MDPE may all be the same composition.

In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, subskin layers that may include a Selected MDPE may each include greater than 5 wt. % or 20 wt. % Selected MDPE described herein below, based on the total weight of the respective layer. In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, one or more of layers (B), (C), (G), and (H) may each include from 5 wt. % to 100 wt. %, from 50 wt. % to 80 wt. %, from 50 wt. % to 60 wt. %, from 60 wt. % to 100 wt. %, from 60 wt. % to 80 wt. %, or from 80 wt. % to 100 wt. % of Selected MDPE described herein below, based on the total weight of the respective layer.

In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, one or more of layers (B), (C), (G), and (H) may each include from 0 wt. % to 80 wt. %, from 0 wt. % to 60 wt. %, from 0 wt. % to 40 wt. %, from 0 wt. % to 20 wt. %, from 20 wt. % to 80 wt. %, from 20 wt. % to 60 wt. %, from 20 wt. % to 40 wt. %, from 40 wt. % to 80 wt. %, from 40 wt. % to 60 wt. %, or from 60 wt. % to 80 wt. %, of LLDPE, based on the total weight of the respective layer.

In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, one or more of layers (B), (C), (G), and (H) may each include from 0 wt. % to 50 wt. %, from 0 wt. % to 40 wt. %, from 0 wt. % to 35 wt. %, from 5 wt. % to 35 wt. %, from 10 wt. % to 35 wt. %, or from 15 wt. % to 35 wt. % LDPE, based on the total weight of the respective layer.

In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, one or more of layers (B), (C), (G), and (H) may each include from 20 wt. % to 100 wt. %, from 30 wt. % to 100 wt. %, from 50 wt. % to 80 wt. %, from 50 wt. % to 60 wt. %, from 60 wt. % to 100 wt. %, from 60 wt. % to 80 wt. %, or from 80 wt. % to 100 wt. % MDPE, based on the total weight of the respective layer.

In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, one or more of layers (B), (C), (G), and (H) may each include from 0 wt. % to 80 wt. %, from 0 wt. % to 60 wt. %, from 0 wt. % to 40 wt. %, from 0 wt. % to 20 wt. %, from 20 wt. % to 80 wt. %, from 20 wt. % to 60 wt. %, from 20 wt. % to 40 wt. %, from 40 wt. % to 80 wt. %, from 40 wt. % to 60 wt. %, or from 60 wt. % to 80 wt. %, of HDPE, based on the total weight of the respective layer.

In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the layers (B), (C), (G), and (H) together comprise from 10% to 80%, from 10% to 60%, from 10% to 40%, from 10% to 20%, from 20% to 80%, from 20% to 60%, from 20% to 40%, from 40% to 80%, from 40% to 60%, or from 60% to 80% of the thickness multilayer film of the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment.

Layers (A) and (I) of the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment include polyethylene. In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the layer (A) may be adjacent to layer (B), and layer (I) may be adjacent to layer (H). In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the layer (A) may be in direct contact with layer (B), and layer (I) may be in direct contact with layer (H). In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, layer (A) and layer (I) may have the same composition or different compositions.

Each of the layers (A) and (I) of the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment independently include greater than 20% by weight LLDPE, based on the total weight of the respective layer. In some embodiments, each of the layers (A) and (I) may include from 30 wt. % to 100 wt. %, from 50 wt. % to 80 wt. %, from 50 wt. % to 60 wt. %, from 60 wt. % to 100 wt. %, from 60 wt. % to 80 wt. %, or from 80 wt. % to 100 wt. % of LLDPE, based on the total weight of the respective layer.

In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the layers (A) and (I) may include less than 50% by weight LDPE, based on the total weight of the respective layer. In some embodiments, layers (A) and (I) may each include from 0 wt. % to 50 wt. %, from 0 wt. % to 40 wt. %, from 0 wt. % to 35 wt. %, from 5 wt. % to 35 wt. %, from 10 wt. % to 35 wt. %, or from 15 wt. % to 35 wt. % LDPE, based on the total weight of the respective layer.

In the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, the layers (A) and (I) together comprise from 10% to 40%, from 10% to 20%, or from 20% to 40 of the thickness multilayer film of the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment.

As discussed above, using Selected MDPE as described in detail herein below as a component in multilayer films, such as the multilayer film described the Exemplary Nine-Layer Embodiment, in place of conventional multilayer films including polyamide, may provide a multilayer film that has improved balance of dart impact resistance and stiffness (measured at 2% Secant Modulus).

Methods of Producing the Presently-Described Films

Various methodologies are contemplated for producing the multilayer films. In one or more embodiments, the process of manufacturing the multilayer film may include cast film extrusion or blown film extrusion.

In some embodiments, the process of manufacturing the multilayer film may include forming a blown film bubble. In some embodiments, the blown film bubble may be a multilayer blown film bubble. Further in accordance with this embodiment, the multilayer blown film bubble may include at least five, seven, nine, or more layers, and the layers may adhere to each other.

During embodiments of the blown film process, an extruded film from an extruder die may be formed (blown) and pulled up a tower onto a nip. The film may then be wound onto a core. Before the film is wound onto the core, the ends of the film may be cut and folded using folding equipment. This makes the layers of the film difficult to separate, which may be important for shipping applications, generally, or heavy duty shipping sack applications.

In further embodiments, the blown film bubble may be formed via a blown film extrusion line having a length to diameter (“LID”) ratio of from 30 to 1. In some embodiments, the extrusion line may have a blow up ratio of from 1 to 5, from 1 to 3, from 2 to 5, or from 2 to 3. In some embodiments, the extrusion line may utilize a die with internal bubble cooling. In some embodiments, the die gap may be from 1 millimeter (mm) to 5 mm, from 1 mm to 3 mm, from 2 mm to 5 mm, or from 2 mm to 3 mm.

In some embodiments, the extrusion line may utilize a film thickness gauge scanner. In some embodiments, during the extrusion process, the multilayer film thickness may be maintained at from 15 μm or to 115 μm. In embodiments, the multilayer film thickness may be maintained at from 15 μm to 100 μm, from 15 μm to 75 μm, from 15 μm to 50 μm, from 15 μm to 25 μm, from 25 μm to 115 μm, from 25 μm to 100 μm, from 25 μm to 75 μm, from 25 μm to 50 μm, from 50 μm to 115 μm, from 50 μm to 100 μm, from 50 μm to 75 μm, from 75 μm to 115 μm, from 75 μm to 100 μm, or from 100 μm to 115 μm.

In some embodiments, the forming of the multilayer blown film bubble step may occur at a temperature of from 350 to 500° F., or from 375 to 475° F. The output speed may be from 5 lb/hr/in to 25 lb/hr/in, from 5 lb/hr/in to 20 lb/hr/in, from 5 lb/hr/in to 15 lb/hr/in, from 5 lb/hr/in to 10 lb/hr/in, from 10 lb/hr/in to 25 lb/hr/in, from 10 lb/hr/in to 20 lb/hr/in, from 10 lb/hr/in to 15 lb/hr/in, from 15 lb/hr/in to 25 lb/hr/in, from 15 lb/hr/in to 20 lb/hr/in, or from 20 lb/hr/in to 25 lb/hr/in.

Articles

Embodiments of the present disclosure also relate to articles, such as packages, formed from the multilayer films of the present disclosure. Such packages can be formed from any of the multilayer films of the present disclosure described herein. Multilayer films of the present disclosure are particularly useful in articles where good tear strength and dart strength are desired.

Examples of such articles can include flexible packages, pouches, stand-up pouches, and pre-made packages or pouches.

Various methods of producing embodiments of articles from the multilayer films disclosed herein would be familiar to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Selected MDPE Composition and Characterization

In one or more embodiments, the Selected MDPE (also referred to in this section as “polyethylene composition”) may have a density of 0.924 g/cm³ to 0.936 g/cm³. For example, embodiments of the presently disclosed polyethylene compositions may have densities of from 0.924 g/cm³ to 0.931 g/cm³, from 0.924 g/cm³ to 0.928 g/cm³, from 0.927 g/cm³ to 0.931 g/cm³, or from 0.929 g/cm³ to 0.933 g/cm³. According to additional embodiments, the polyethylene composition may have a density of from 0.924 to 0.928, from 0.928 g/cm³ to 0.932 g/cm³, from 0.932 g/cm³ to 0.936 g/cm³, or any combination of these ranges.

In one or more embodiments, the polyethylene composition may have a melt index (I₂) of 0.25 g/10 minutes to 2.0 g/10 minutes, such as 0.5 g/10 minutes to 1.2 g/10 minutes. For example, in one or more embodiments, the polyethylene composition may have a melt index (I₂) of from 0.25 g/10 minutes to 0.5 g/10 minutes, from 0.5 g/10 minutes to 0.7 g/10 minutes, from 0.7 g/10 minutes to 0.9 g/10 minutes, from 0.59 g/10 minutes to 1.1 g/10 minutes, from 1.1 g/10 minutes to 1.3 g/10 minutes, from 1.3 g/10 minutes to 1.5 g/10 minutes, from 1.5 g/10 minutes to 1.7 g/10 minutes, from 1.7 g/10 minutes to 2.0 g/10 minutes, or any combination of these ranges. According to additional embodiments, the polyethylene composition may have a melt index (1₂) of from 0.65 to 1.05.

According to embodiments, the polyethylene compositions may have a molecular weight distribution, expressed as the ratio of the weight average molecular weight to number average molecular weight (Mw/Mn), in the range of from 2.5 to 8.0. For example, the polyethylene composition may have a molecular weight distribution of from 2.5 to 3.0, from 3.0 to 3.5, from 3.5 to 4.0, from 4.0 to 4.5, from 4.5 to 5.0, from 5.0 to 5.5, from 5.5 to 6.0, from 6.0 to 6.5, from 6.5 to 7.0, from 7.0 to 7.5, from 7.5 to 8.0, or any combination of these ranges. In additional embodiments, the polyethylene composition may have a molecular weight distribution of from 3.0 to 5.0. As presently described, the molecular weight distribution may be calculated according to gel permeation chromatography (GPC) techniques as described herein.

According to one or more additional embodiments, the polyethylene composition may have a zero shear viscosity ratio of less than 3.0. For example, the polyethylene composition may have a zero shear viscosity ratio of less than 2.9, less than 2.8, less than 2.7, less than 2.6, less than 2.5, less than 2.4, less than 2.3, less than 2.2, less than 2.1, less than 2.0, less than 1.9, less than 1.8, less than 1.7, less than 1.6, less than 1.5, less than 1.4, less than 1.3, less than 1.2, or even less than 1.1. In one or more embodiments, the polyethylene composition may have a zero shear viscosity ratio of at least 1.0.

As described herein, a polyethylene “fraction” refers to a portion of the total composition of the polyethylene composition. The presently disclosed embodiments include at least a “first polyethylene fraction” and a “second polyethylene fraction.” The various fractions included in the polyethylene composition may be quantified by their temperature range in an elution profile via improved comonomers composition distribution (iCCD) analysis method. Unless specified, any elution profile referred to herein is the elution profile observed via iCCD. Examples of such fractions will be better understood in view of the examples provided herewith. In general, the first fraction may include a single peak in the temperature range of the first fraction and the second fraction may include a single peak in the temperature range of the second fraction. The polyethylene compositions described herein may be referred to as “multimodal,” meaning that they include at least two peaks in their elution profile. Some embodiments may be “bimodal,” meaning that two major peaks are present.

In reference to the described iCCD distribution, FIG. 1 schematically depicts a sample iCCD distribution 100 along with the cumulative weight fraction curve 200. FIG. 1 depicts, generally, several features of the iCCD profiles of the presently described polyethylene compositions, such as the first fraction, the second fraction, half peak widths, etc., which are discussed in detail herein. As such, FIG. 1 can be used as a reference with respect to the disclosures related the iCCD profile provided herein. Specifically, the first fraction 102 and second fraction 106 are depicted. The first fraction 102 has a peak 104 and the second fraction 106 has a peak 108. Each fraction has a half peak width 110 and 112. It should be understood that the profile of FIG. 1 is not derived from experimentation or observation, but is instead supplied for informational purposes of describing particular features of an iCCD elution profile.

In one or more embodiments, the first polyethylene fraction may have a single peak in a temperature range of 45° C. to 87° C. in an elution profile via iCCD. As used herein, a “single peak” refers to an iCCD wherein a particular fraction include only a single peak. That is, in some embodiments, the iCCD of the first and second polyethylene fraction includes only an upward sloping region followed by a downward sloping region to form the single peak. In one or more embodiments, the single peak of the first polyethylene fraction may be in a temperature range of from 60° C. to 85° C., such as from 70° C. to 85° C. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that in at least some embodiments of the presently disclosed polyethylene composition where a dual reactor design is used for polymerization, a combination of higher density crystalline domain and lower density amorphous domain may exist. The impact strength is controlled predominantly by the amorphous region or the tie concentrations that connect the adjacent lamellae. The relative tie chain concentration is estimated to be relatively large when the density is less than 0.910 g/cm³. The peak of the first polymer fraction in the presently disclosed compositions may lie in the temperature range of 60° C. to 85° C., which may provide greater tie-chain concentration for functional benefits such as improved toughness.

It should be understood that a peak in the first or second polyethylene fraction may not be formed by a local minimum in the respective polyethylene fraction at a defined temperature boundary. That is, the peak must be a peak in the context of the entire spectrum, not a peak formed by the threshold temperature of a polyethylene fraction. For example, if a single peak followed by a single valley were present in a polyethylene fraction (an upward slope followed by a downward slope followed by an upward slope), only a single peak would be present in such a polyethylene fraction.

In one or more embodiments, the second polyethylene fraction may have a single peak in the temperature range of 95 to 120° C. in the elution profile via iCCD. The temperature range of the second polyethylene fraction of 95 to 120° C. may be desirable because the low molecular weight, high density component at 95-120° C. may allow the polyethylene to achieve higher overall density while maintaining a lower density fraction as described by the ratio of these two fractions.

In one or more embodiments, the width of the single peak of the second polyethylene fraction at 50 percent peak height may be less than 5.0° C., less than 4° C., or even less than 3° C. Generally, lesser temperature ranges at 50 percent peak heights correspond to a “sharper” peak. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that a “sharper” or “narrower” peak is a characteristic caused by the molecular catalyst and indicates minimum comnomer incorporation on the higher density fraction, enabling higher density split between the two fractions.

In one or more embodiments, the polyethylene composition may have a local minimum in an elution profile via iCCD in a temperature range of from 80° C. to 90° C. This local minimum may fall between the peaks of the first polyethylene fraction and the second polyethylene fraction.

In embodiments described herein, the first polyethylene fraction area is the area in the elution profile between 45° C. and 87° C., beneath the single peak of the first polyethylene fraction. Similarly, the second polyethylene fraction area is the area in the elution profile between 95° C. and 120° C., beneath the single peak of the second polyethylene fraction. The first polyethylene fraction area and the second polyethylene fraction, respectively, may generally correspond with the total relative mass of each polymer fraction in the polyethylene composition. In general, a polyethylene fraction area in an iCCD profile may be determined by integrating the iCCD profile between the starting and ending temperatures specified.

According to one or more embodiments, the difference between the single peak of the second polyethylene fraction and the single peak of the first polyethylene fraction may be at least 10° C. For example, the difference between the single peak of the second polyethylene fraction and the single peak of the first polyethylene fraction may be at least 12° C., 14° C., 16° C., 18° C., or even at least 20° C.

In one or more embodiments, the first polyethylene fraction area may comprise at least 40% of the total area of the elution profile (for example, at least 42%, at least 44%, at least 46%, at least 48%, at least 50%, at least 52%, or even at least 54% of the total area of the elution profile). For example, the first polyethylene fraction area may comprise from 40% to 65% of the total area of the elution profile, such as from 42% to 58%, from 43% to 45%, from 45% to 47%, from 53% to 55%, or from 55% to 57%.

According to one or more embodiments, the second polyethylene fraction area may comprise at least 25% of the total area of the elution profile (for example, at least 30%, at least 35%, or even at least 40% of the total area of the elution profile). For example, the first polyethylene fraction area may comprise from 20% to 50%, from 27% to 31% or from 41% to 48% of the total area of the elution profile.

According to some embodiments, a ratio of the first polyethylene fraction area to the second polyethylene fraction area may be from 0.75 to 2.5 (such as 0.75 to 1.0, 1.0 to 1.25, from 1.25 to 1.5, from 1.5 to 1.75, from 1.75 to 2.0, from 2.0 to 2.25, from 2.25 to 2.5, or any combination of these ranges).

In one or more embodiments, the polyethylene composition is formed from the polymerization of ethylene and a comonomers such as a C₃-C₁₂ alkene. Contemplated comonomers include C₆-C₉ alkenes, such as 1-octene and 1-hexene. In one or more embodiments the comonomers is 1-octene.

In one or more embodiments, the difference between the single peak of the second polyethylene fraction and the single peak of the first polyethylene fraction is at least 10° C., at least 12.5° C. at least 15° C., at least 17.5° C., or even at least 20° C.

In one or more embodiments, the first polyethylene fraction may have a melt index (I₂) of 0.01 to 0.18 g/10 minutes. For example, according to one or more embodiments, the first polyethylene fraction may have a melt index (I₂) of from 0.01 g/10 minutes to 0.03 g/10 minutes, from 0.03 g/10 minutes to 0.05 g/10 minutes, from 0.05 g/10 minutes to 0.07 g/10 minutes, from 0.07 g/10 minutes to 0.09 g/10 minutes, from 0.09 g/10 minutes to 0.11 g/10 minutes, from 0.11 g/10 minutes to 0.13 g/10 minutes, from 0.13 g/10 minutes to 0.15 g/10 minutes, from 0.15 g/10 minutes to 0.18 g/10 minutes, or any combination of these ranges.

In one or more embodiments, the second polyethylene fraction may have a melt index (I₂) of 1 to 10,000 g/10 minutes. For example, according to one or more embodiments, the second polyethylene fraction may have a melt index (I₂) of from 10 g/10 minutes to 1,000 g/10 minutes, from 20 g/10 minutes to 800 g/10 minutes, from 1 g/10 minutes to 100 g/10 minutes, from 100 g/10 minutes to 1,000 g/10 minutes, from 1,000 g/10 minutes to 10,000 g/10 minutes, or any combination of these ranges.

In one or more embodiments, the weight average molecular weight of the second polyethylene fraction may be less than or equal to 120,000 g/mol, such as from 20,000 g/mol to 120,000 g/mol, or from 40,000 g/mol to 65,000 g/mol. In additional embodiments, the weight average molecular weight of the second polyethylene fraction may be from 20,000 g/mol to 40,000 g/mol, from 40,000 g/mol to 60,000 g/mol, from 60,000 g/mol to 80,000 g/mol, from 80,000 g/mol to 100,000 g/mol, from 100,000 g/mol to 120,000 g/mol, or any combination of these ranges. Molecular weight of the polyethylene fractions may be calculated based on GPC results, as described hereinbelow.

The polyethylene compositions described herein may have relatively good dart strength when formed into monolayer blown films. According to one or more embodiments, a monolayer blown film formed from the polyethylene composition and having a thickness of two mils has a Dart drop impact of at least 1000 grams when measured according to ASTM D1709 Method A. In additional embodiments, a monolayer blown film formed from the polyethylene composition and having a thickness of two mils has a Dart drop impact of at least 1100 grams, at least 1200 grams, at least 1300 grams, at least 1400 grams, at least 1500 grams, at least 1600 grams, at least 1700 grams, at least 1800 grams, at least 1900 grams, or even at least 2000 grams when measured according to ASTM D1709 Method A.

According to additional embodiments, the polyethylene compositions may have Dow Rheology Index of less than or equal to 5, such as less than or equal to 4, less than or equal to 3, less than or equal to 2, or even less than or equal to 1.

In one or more embodiments, the presently disclosed polyethylene compositions may further comprise additional components such as one or more additives. Such additives include, but are not limited to, antistatic agents, color enhancers, dyes, lubricants, fillers such as TiO₂ or CaCO₃, opacifiers, nucleators, processing aids, pigments, primary anti-oxidants, secondary anti-oxidants, UV stabilizers, anti-blocks, slip agents, tackifiers, fire retardants, anti-microbial agents, odor reducer agents, anti-fungal agents, and combinations thereof. The polyethylene compositions may contain from 0.1 to 10 percent by the combined weight of such additives, based on the weight of the polyethylene composition including such additives.

Polymerization

Any conventional polymerization processes may be employed to produce the polyethylene compositions described herein. Such conventional polymerization processes include, but are not limited to, slurry polymerization processes, solution polymerization process, using one or more conventional reactors, e.g., loop reactors, isothermal reactors, stirred tank reactors, batch reactors in parallel, series, and/or any combinations thereof. The polyethylene composition may, for example, be produced via solution phase polymerization process using one or more loop reactors, isothermal reactors, and combinations thereof.

In general, the solution phase polymerization process may occur in one or more well-mixed reactors such as one or more isothermal loop reactors or one or more adiabatic reactors at a temperature in the range of from 115 to 250° C. (e.g., from 115 to 210° C.), and at pressures in the range of from 300 to 1,000 psi (e.g., from 400 to 800 psi). In some embodiments, in a dual reactor, the temperature in the first reactor is in the range of from 115 to 190° C. (e.g., from 160 to 180° C.), and the second reactor temperature is in the range of 150 to 250° C. (e.g., from 180 to 220° C.). In embodiments, in a single reactor, the temperature in the reactor is in the range of from 115 to 250° C. (e.g., from 115 to 225° C.).

The residence time in solution phase polymerization process may be in the range of from 2 to 30 minutes (e.g., from 5 to 25 minutes). Ethylene, solvent, hydrogen, one or more catalyst systems, optionally one or more cocatalysts, and optionally one or more comonomers are fed continuously to one or more reactors. Exemplary solvents include, but are not limited to, isoparaffins. For example, such solvents are commercially available under the name ISOPAR E from ExxonMobil Chemical Co., Houston, Tex. The resultant mixture of the polyethylene composition and solvent is then removed from the reactor and the polyethylene composition is isolated. Solvent is typically recovered via a solvent recovery unit, e.g., heat exchangers and vapor liquid separator drum, and is then recycled back into the polymerization system.

In some embodiments, the polyethylene composition may be produced via solution polymerization in a dual reactor system, for example a dual loop reactor system, wherein ethylene is polymerized in the presence of one or more catalyst systems. In some embodiments, only ethylene is polymerized. Additionally, one or more cocatalysts may be present. In another embodiment, the polyethylene composition may be produced via solution polymerization in a single reactor system, for example a single loop reactor system, wherein ethylene is polymerized in the presence of two catalyst systems. In some embodiments, only ethylene is polymerized.

Catalyst Systems

Specific embodiments of catalyst systems that can, in one or more embodiments, be used to produce the polyethylene compositions described herein will now be described. It should be understood that the catalyst systems of this disclosure may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiments set forth in this disclosure. Rather, embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

The term “independently selected” is used herein to indicate that the R groups, such as, R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵ can be identical or different (e.g., R¹, R², R³, R⁴, and R⁵ may all be substituted alkyls or R¹ and R² may be a substituted alkyl and R³ may be an aryl, etc.). Use of the singular includes use of the plural and vice versa (e.g., a hexane solvent, includes hexanes). A named R group will generally have the structure that is recognized in the art as corresponding to R groups having that name. These definitions are intended to supplement and illustrate, not preclude, the definitions known to those of skill in the art.

The term “procatalyst” refers to a compound that has catalytic activity when combined with an activator. The term “activator” refers to a compound that chemically reacts with a procatalyst in a manner that converts the procatalyst to a catalytically active catalyst. As used herein, the terms “co-catalyst” and “activator” are interchangeable terms.

When used to describe certain carbon atom-containing chemical groups, a parenthetical expression having the form “(C_(x)-C_(y))” means that the unsubstituted form of the chemical group has from x carbon atoms to y carbon atoms, inclusive of x and y. For example, a (C₁-C₄₀)alkyl is an alkyl group having from 1 to 40 carbon atoms in its unsubstituted form. In some embodiments and general structures, certain chemical groups may be substituted by one or more substituents such as R^(S). An R^(S) substituted version of a chemical group defined using the “(C_(x)-C_(y))” parenthetical may contain more than y carbon atoms depending on the identity of any groups R^(S). For example, a “(C₁-C₄₀)alkyl substituted with exactly one group R^(S), where R^(S) is phenyl (—C₆H5)” may contain from 7 to 46 carbon atoms. Thus, in general when a chemical group defined using the “(C_(x)-C_(y))” parenthetical is substituted by one or more carbon atom-containing substituents R^(S), the minimum and maximum total number of carbon atoms of the chemical group is determined by adding to both x and y the combined sum of the number of carbon atoms from all of the carbon atom-containing substituents R^(S).

The term “substitution” means that at least one hydrogen atom (—H) bonded to a carbon atom or heteroatom of a corresponding unsubstituted compound or function group is replaced by a substituent (e.g. R^(S)). The term “persubstitution” means that every hydrogen atom (H) bonded to a carbon atom or heteroatom of a corresponding unsubstituted compound or functional group is replaced by a substituent (e.g., R^(S)). The term “polysubstitution” means that at least two, but fewer than all, hydrogen atoms bonded to carbon atoms or heteroatoms of a corresponding unsubstituted compound or functional group are replaced by a substituent.

The term “—H” means a hydrogen or hydrogen radical that is covalently bonded to another atom. “Hydrogen” and “—H” are interchangeable, and unless clearly specified mean the same thing.

The term “(C₁-C₄₀)hydrocarbyl” means a hydrocarbon radical of from 1 to 40 carbon atoms and the term “(C₁-C₄₀)hydrocarbylene” means a hydrocarbon diradical of from 1 to 40 carbon atoms, in which each hydrocarbon radical and each hydrocarbon diradical is aromatic or non-aromatic, saturated or unsaturated, straight chain or branched chain, cyclic (including mono- and poly-cyclic, fused and non-fused polycyclic, including bicyclic; 3 carbon atoms or more) or acyclic and is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more R^(S).

In this disclosure, a (C₁-C₄₀)hydrocarbyl can be an unsubstituted or substituted (C₁-C₄₀)alkyl, (C₃-C₄₀)cycloalkyl, (C₃-C₂₀)cycloalkyl-(C₁-C₂₀)alkylene, (C₆-C₄₀)aryl, or (C₆-C₂₀)aryl-(C₁-C₂₀)alkylene. In some embodiments, each of the aforementioned (C₁-C₄₀)hydrocarbyl groups has a maximum of 20 carbon atoms (i.e., (C₁-C₂₀)hydrocarbyl) and embodiments, a maximum of 12 carbon atoms.

The terms “(C₁-C₄₀)alkyl” and “(C₁-C₁₈)alkyl” mean a saturated straight or branched hydrocarbon radical of from 1 to 40 carbon atoms or from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, respectively, that is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more R^(S). Examples of unsubstituted (C₁-C₄₀)alkyl are unsubstituted (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl; unsubstituted (C unsubstituted (C₁-C₅)alkyl; methyl; ethyl; 1-propyl; 2-propyl; 1-butyl; 2-butyl; 2-methylpropyl; 1,1-dimethylethyl; 1-pentyl; 1-hexyl; 1-heptyl; 1-nonyl; and 1-decyl. Examples of substituted (C₁-C₄₀)alkyl are substituted (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, substituted (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, trifluoromethyl, and [C₄₅]alkyl. The term “[C₄₅]alkyl” (with square brackets) means there is a maximum of 45 carbon atoms in the radical, including substituents, and is, for example, a (C₂₇-C₄₀)alkyl substituted by one R^(S), which is a (C₁-C₅)alkyl, respectively. Each (C₁-C₅)alkyl may be methyl, trifluoromethyl, ethyl, 1-propyl, 1-methylethyl, or 1,1-dimethylethyl.

The term “(C₆-C₄₀)aryl” means an unsubstituted or substituted (by one or more R^(S)) mono-, bi- or tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbon radical of from 6 to 40 carbon atoms, of which at least from 6 to 14 of the carbon atoms are aromatic ring carbon atoms, and the mono-, bi- or tricyclic radical comprises 1, 2, or 3 rings, respectively; wherein the 1 ring is aromatic and the 2 or 3 rings independently are fused or non-fused and at least one of the 2 or 3 rings is aromatic. Examples of unsubstituted (C₆-C₄₀)aryl are unsubstituted (C₆-C₂₀)aryl unsubstituted (C₆-C₁₈)aryl; 2-(C₁-C₅)alkyl-phenyl; 2,4-bis(C₁-C₅)alkyl-phenyl; phenyl; fluorenyl; tetrahydrofluorenyl; indacenyl; hexahydroindacenyl; indenyl; dihydroindenyl; naphthyl; tetrahydronaphthyl; and phenanthrene. Examples of substituted (C₆-C₄₀)aryl are substituted (C₁-C₂₀)aryl; substituted (C₆-C₁₈)aryl; 2,4-bis[(C₂₀)alkyl]-phenyl; polyfluorophenyl; pentafluorophenyl; and fluoren-9-one-1-yl.

The term “(C₃-C₄₀)cycloalkyl” means a saturated cyclic hydrocarbon radical of from 3 to 40 carbon atoms that is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more R^(S). Other cycloalkyl groups (e.g., (C_(x)-C_(y))cycloalkyl) are defined in an analogous manner as having from x to y carbon atoms and being either unsubstituted or substituted with one or more R^(S). Examples of unsubstituted (C₃-C₄₀)cycloalkyl are unsubstituted (C₃-C₂₀)cycloalkyl, unsubstituted (C₃-C₁₀)cycloalkyl, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, cyclooctyl, cyclononyl, and cyclodecyl. Examples of substituted (C₃-C₄₀)cycloalkyl are substituted (C₃-C₂₀)cycloalkyl, substituted (C₃-C₁₀)cycloalkyl, cyclopentanon-2-yl, and 1-fluorocyclohexyl.

Examples of (C₁-C₄₀)hydrocarbylene include unsubstituted or substituted (C₆-C₄₀)arylene, (C₃-C₄₀)cycloalkylene, and (C₁-C₄₀)alkylene (e.g., (C₁-C₂₀)alkylene). In some embodiments, the diradicals are on the same carbon atom (e.g., —CH₂—) or on adjacent carbon atoms (i.e., 1,2-diradicals), or are spaced apart by one, two, or more than two intervening carbon atoms (e.g., respective 1,3-diradicals, 1,4-diradicals, etc.). Some diradicals include α,ω-diradical. The α,ω-diradical is a diradical that has maximum carbon backbone spacing between the radical carbons. Some examples of (C₂-C₂₀)alkylene α,ω-diradicals include ethan-1,2-diyl (i.e. —CH₂CH₂—), propan-1,3-diyl (i.e. —CH₂CH₂CH₂—), 2-methylpropan-1,3-diyl (i.e. —CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₂—). Some examples of (C₆-C₅₀)arylene α,ω-diradicals include phenyl-1,4-diyl, napthalen-2,6-diyl, or napthalen-3,7-diyl.

The term “(C₁-C₄₀)alkylene” means a saturated straight chain or branched chain diradical (i.e., the radicals are not on ring atoms) of from 1 to 40 carbon atoms that is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more R^(S). Examples of unsubstituted (C₁-C₅₀)alkylene are unsubstituted (C₁-C₂₀)alkylene, including unsubstituted —CH₂CH₂—, —(CH₂)₃—, —(CH₂)₄—, —(CH₂)₅—, —(CH₂)₆—, —(CH₂)₇—, —(CH₂)₈—, —CH₂C*HCH₃, and —(CH₂)₄C*(H)(CH₃), in which “C*” denotes a carbon atom from which a hydrogen atom is removed to form a secondary or tertiary alkyl radical. Examples of substituted (C₁-C₅₀)alkylene are substituted (C₁-C₂₀)alkylene, —CF₂—, —C(O)—, and —(CH₂)₁₄C(CH₃)₂(CH₂)₅— (i.e., a 6,6-dimethyl substituted normal-1,20-eicosylene). Since as mentioned previously two R^(S) may be taken together to form a (C₁-C₁₈)alkylene, examples of substituted (C₁-C₅₀)alkylene also include 1,2-bis(methylene)cyclopentane, 1,2-bis(methylene)cyclohexane, 2,3-bis(methylene)-7,7-dimethyl-bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, and 2,3-bis (methylene)bicyclo[2.2.2] octane.

The term “(C₃-C₄₀)cycloalkylene” means a cyclic diradical (i.e., the radicals are on ring atoms) of from 3 to 40 carbon atoms that is unsubstituted or substituted by one or more R^(S).

The term “heteroatom,” refers to an atom other than hydrogen or carbon. Examples of heteroatoms include O, S, S(O), S(O)₂, Si(R^(C))₂, P(R^(P)), N(R^(N)), —N═C(R^(C))₂, —Ge(R^(C))₂—, or —Si(R^(C))—, where each R^(C), each R^(N), and each R^(P) is unsubstituted (C₁-C₁₈)hydrocarbyl or —H. The term “heterohydrocarbon” refers to a molecule or molecular framework in which one or more carbon atoms are replaced with a heteroatom. The term “(C₁-C₄₀)heterohydrocarbyl” means a heterohydrocarbon radical of from 1 to 40 carbon atoms and the term “(C₁-C₄₀)heterohydrocarbylene” means a heterohydrocarbon diradical of from 1 to 40 carbon atoms, and each heterohydrocarbon has one or more heteroatoms. The radical of the heterohydrocarbyl is on a carbon atom or a heteroatom, and diradicals of the heterohydrocarbyl may be on: (1) one or two carbon atom, (2) one or two heteroatoms, or (3) a carbon atom and a heteroatom. Each (C₁-C₅₀)heterohydrocarbyl and (C₁-C₅₀)heterohydrocarbylene may be unsubstituted or substituted (by one or more R^(S)), aromatic or non-aromatic, saturated or unsaturated, straight chain or branched chain, cyclic (including mono- and poly-cyclic, fused and non-fused polycyclic), or acyclic.

The (C₁-C₄₀)heterohydrocarbyl may be unsubstituted or substituted (C₁-C₄₀)heteroalkyl, (C₁-C₄₀)hydrocarbyl-O—, (C₁-C₄₀)hydrocarbyl-S—, (C₁-C₄₀)hydrocarbyl-S(O)—, (C₁-C₄₀)hydrocarbyl-S(O)₂—, (C₁-C₄₀)hydrocarbyl-Si(R_(C))₂—, (C₁-C₄₀)hydrocarbyl-N(R^(N))—, (C₁-C₄₀)hydrocarbyl-P(R^(P))—, (C₂-C₄₀)heterocycloalkyl, (C₂-C₁₉)heterocycloalkyl-(C₁-C₂₀)alkylene, (C₃-C₂₀)cycloalkyl-(C₁-C₁₉)heteroalkylene, (C₂-C₁₉)heterocycloalkyl-(C₁-C₂₀)heteroalkylene, (C₁-C₄₀)heteroaryl, (C₁-C₁₉)heteroaryl-(C₁-C₂₀)alkylene, (C₆-C₂₀)aryl-(C₁-C₁₉)heteroalkylene, or (C₁-C₁₉)heteroaryl-(C₁-C₂₀)heteroalkylene.

The term “(C₄-C₄₀)heteroaryl” means an unsubstituted or substituted (by one or more R^(S)) mono-, bi- or tricyclic heteroaromatic hydrocarbon radical of from 4 to 40 total carbon atoms and from 1 to 10 heteroatoms, and the mono-, bi- or tricyclic radical comprises 1, 2 or 3 rings, respectively, wherein the 2 or 3 rings independently are fused or non-fused and at least one of the 2 or 3 rings is heteroaromatic. Other heteroaryl groups (e.g., (C_(x)-C_(y))heteroaryl generally, such as (C₄-C₁₂)heteroaryl) are defined in an analogous manner as having from x to y carbon atoms (such as 4 to 12 carbon atoms) and being unsubstituted or substituted by one or more than one R^(S). The monocyclic heteroaromatic hydrocarbon radical is a 5-membered or 6-membered ring. The 5-membered ring has 5 minus h carbon atoms, wherein h is the number of heteroatoms and may be 1, 2, or 3; and each heteroatom may be O, S, N, or P. Examples of 5-membered ring heteroaromatic hydrocarbon radical are pyrrol-1-yl; pyrrol-2-yl; furan-3-yl; thiophen-2-yl; pyrazol-1-yl; isoxazol-2-yl; isothiazol-5-yl; imidazol-2-yl; oxazol-4-yl; thiazol-2-yl; 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl; 1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl; 1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl; tetrazol-1-yl; tetrazol-2-yl; and tetrazol-5-yl. The 6-membered ring has 6 minus h carbon atoms, wherein h is the number of heteroatoms and may be 1 or 2 and the heteroatoms may be N or P. Examples of 6-membered ring heteroaromatic hydrocarbon radical are pyridine-2-yl; pyrimidin-2-yl; and pyrazin-2-yl. The bicyclic heteroaromatic hydrocarbon radical can be a fused 5,6- or 6,6-ring system. Examples of the fused 5,6-ring system bicyclic heteroaromatic hydrocarbon radical are indol-1-yl; and benzimidazole-1-yl. Examples of the fused 6,6-ring system bicyclic heteroaromatic hydrocarbon radical are quinolin-2-yl; and isoquinolin-1-yl. The tricyclic heteroaromatic hydrocarbon radical can be a fused 5,6,5-; 5,6,6-; 6,5,6-; or 6,6,6-ring system. An example of the fused 5,6,5-ring system is 1,7-dihydropyrrolo[3,2-f]indol-1-yl. An example of the fused 5,6,6-ring system is 1H-benzo[f] indol-1-yl. An example of the fused 6,5,6-ring system is 9H-carbazol-9-yl. An example of the fused 6,5,6-ring system is 9H-carbazol-9-yl. An example of the fused 6,6,6-ring system is acrydin-9-yl.

The aforementioned heteroalkyl may be saturated straight or branched chain radicals containing (C₁-C₅₀) carbon atoms, or fewer carbon atoms and one or more of the heteroatoms. Likewise, the heteroalkylene may be saturated straight or branched chain diradicals containing from 1 to 50 carbon atoms and one or more than one heteroatoms. The heteroatoms, as defined above, may include Si(R^(C))₃, Ge(R^(C))₃, Si(R^(C))₂, Ge(R^(C))₂, P(R^(P))₂, P(R^(P)), N(R^(N))₂, N(R^(N)), N, O, OR^(C), S, SR^(C), S(O), and S(O)₂, wherein each of the heteroalkyl and heteroalkylene groups are unsubstituted or substituted by one or more R^(S).

Examples of unsubstituted (C₂-C₄₀)heterocycloalkyl are unsubstituted (C₂-C₂₀)heterocycloalkyl, unsubstituted (C₂-C₁₀)heterocycloalkyl, aziridin-1-yl, oxetan-2-yl, tetrahydrofuran-3-yl, pyrrolidin-1-yl, tetrahydrothiophen-S,S-dioxide-2-yl, morpholin-4-yl, 1,4-dioxan-2-yl, hexahydroazepin-4-yl, 3-oxa-cyclooctyl, 5-thio-cyclononyl, and 2-aza-cyclodecyl.

The term “halogen atom” or “halogen” means the radical of a fluorine atom (F), chlorine atom (Cl), bromine atom (Br), or iodine atom (I). The term “halide” means anionic form of the halogen atom: fluoride (F⁻), chloride (Cl⁻), bromide (Br⁺), or iodide (I⁺).

The term “saturated” means lacking carbon-carbon double bonds, carbon-carbon triple bonds, and (in heteroatom-containing groups) carbon-nitrogen, carbon-phosphorous, and carbon-silicon double bonds. Where a saturated chemical group is substituted by one or more substituents R^(S), one or more double and/or triple bonds optionally may or may not be present in substituents R^(S). The term “unsaturated” means containing one or more carbon-carbon double bonds, carbon-carbon triple bonds, and (in heteroatom-containing groups) carbon-nitrogen, carbon-phosphorous, and carbon-silicon double bonds, not including any such double bonds that may be present in substituents R^(S), if any, or in (hetero) aromatic rings, if any.

According to some embodiments, a catalyst system for producing a polyethylene composition includes a metal-ligand complex according to formula (I):

In formula (I), M is a metal chosen from titanium, zirconium, or hafnium, the metal being in a formal oxidation state of +2, +3, or +4; n is 0, 1, or 2; when n is 1, X is a monodentate ligand or a bidentate ligand; when n is 2, each X is a monodentate ligand and is the same or different; the metal-ligand complex is overall charge-neutral; each Z is independently chosen from —O—, —S—, —N(R^(N))—, or —P(R^(P))—; L is (C₁-C₄₀)hydrocarbylene or (C₁-C₄₀)heterohydrocarbylene, wherein the (C₁-C₄₀)hydrocarbylene has a portion that comprises a 1-carbon atom to 10-carbon atom linker backbone linking the two Z groups in Formula (I) (to which L is bonded) or the (C₁-C₄₀)heterohydrocarbylene has a portion that comprises a 1-atom to 10-atom linker backbone linking the two Z groups in Formula (I), wherein each of the 1 to 10 atoms of the 1-atom to 10-atom linker backbone of the (C₁-C₄₀)heterohydrocarbylene independently is a carbon atom or heteroatom, wherein each heteroatom independently is O, S, S(O), S(O)₂, Si(R^(C))₂, Ge(R^(C))₂, P(R^(C)), or N(R^(C)), wherein independently each R^(C) is (C₁-C₃₀)hydrocarbyl or (C₁-C₃₀)heterohydrocarbyl; le and R⁸ are independently selected from the group consisting of —H, (C₁-C₄₀)hydrocarbyl, (C₁-C₄₀)heterohydrocarbyl, —Si(R^(C))₃, —Ge(R^(C))₃, —P(R^(P))₂, —N(R^(N))₂, —OR^(C), —SR^(C), —NO₂, —CN, —CF₃, R^(C)S(O)—, R^(C) S(O)₂—, (R^(C))₂C═N—, R^(C)C(O)O—, R^(C)OC(O)—, R^(C)C(O)N(R^(N))—, (R^(N))₂NC(O)—, halogen, and radicals having formula (II), formula (III), or formula (IV):

In formulas (II), (III), and (IV), each of R³¹⁻³⁵, R⁴¹⁻⁴⁸, or R⁵¹⁻⁵⁹ is independently chosen from (C₁-C₄₀)hydrocarbyl, (C₁-C₄₀)heterohydrocarbyl, —Si(R^(C))₃, —Ge(R^(C))₃, —P(R^(P))₂, —N(R^(N))₂, —N═CHR^(C), —OR^(C), —SR^(C), —NO₂, —CN, —CF₃, R^(C)S(O)—, R^(C)S(O)₂—, (R^(C))₂C═N—, R^(C)C(O)O—, R^(C)OC(O)—, R^(C)C(O)N(R^(N))—, (R^(N))₂NC(O)—, halogen, or —H, provided at least one of R¹ or R⁸ is a radical having formula (II), formula (III), or formula (IV).

In formula (I), each of R²⁻⁴, R⁵⁻⁷, and R⁹⁻¹⁶ is independently selected from (C₁-C₄₀)hydrocarbyl, (C₁-C₄₀)heterohydrocarbyl, —Si(R^(C))₃, —Ge(R^(C))₃, —P(R^(P))₂, —N(R^(N))₂, —N═CHR^(C), —OR^(C), —SR^(C), —NO₂, —CN, —CF₃, R^(C)S(O)—, R^(C)S(O)₂—, (R^(C))₂C═N—, R^(C)C(O)O—, R^(C)OC(O)—, R^(C)C(O)N(R^(N))—, (R^(C))₂NC(O)—, halogen, and —H.

In some embodiments, the polyethylene composition is formed using a first catalyst according to formula (I) in a first reactor and a different catalyst according to formula (I) in a second reactor.

In one exemplary embodiment where a dual loop reactor is used, the procatalyst used in the first loop is zirconium, [[2,2′″-[[bis[1-methylethyl)germylene]bis(methyleneoxy-κO)]bis[3″,5,5″-tris(1,1-dimethylethyl)-5′-octyl[1,1′:3′,1″-terphenyl]-2′-olato-κO]](2-)]dimethyl-, having the chemical formula C₈₆H₁₂₈F₂GeO₄Zr and the following structure (V):

In such an embodiment, the procatalyst used in the second loop is zirconium, [[2,2′″-[1,3-propanediylbis(oxy-κO)]bis[3-[2,7-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-9H-carbazol-9-yl]]-5′-(dimethyloctylsilyl)-3′-methyl-5-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)[1,1]-biphenyl]-2-olato-κO]](2-) ]dimethyl, having the chemical formula C₁₀₇H₁₅₄N₂O₄Si₂Zr and the following structure (VI):

Co-Catalyst Component

The catalyst system comprising a metal-ligand complex of formula (I) may be rendered catalytically active by any technique known in the art for activating metal-based catalysts of olefin polymerization reactions. For example, the system comprising a metal-ligand complex of formula (I) may be rendered catalytically active by contacting the complex to, or combining the complex with, an activating co-catalyst. Suitable activating co-catalysts for use herein include alkyl aluminums; polymeric or oligomeric alumoxanes (also known as aluminoxanes); neutral Lewis acids; and non-polymeric, non-coordinating, ion-forming compounds (including the use of such compounds under oxidizing conditions). A suitable activating technique is bulk electrolysis. Combinations of one or more of the foregoing activating co-catalysts and techniques are also contemplated. The term “alkyl aluminum” means a monoalkyl aluminum dihydride or monoalkylaluminum dihalide, a dialkyl aluminum hydride or dialkyl aluminum halide, or a trialkylaluminum. Examples of polymeric or oligomeric alumoxanes include methylalumoxane, triisobutylaluminum-modified methylalumoxane, and isobutylalumoxane.

Lewis acid activators (co-catalysts) include Group 13 metal compounds containing from 1 to 3 (C₁-C₂₀)hydrocarbyl substituents as described herein. In one embodiment, Group 13 metal compounds are tri((C₁-C₂₀)hydrocarbyl)-substituted-aluminum or tri((C₁-C₂₀)hydrocarbyl)-boron compounds. In embodiments, Group 13 metal compounds are tri(hydrocarbyl)-substituted-aluminum, tri((C₁-C₂₀)hydrocarbyl)-boron compounds, tri((C₁-C₁₀)alkyl)aluminum, tri((C₆-C₁₈)aryl)boron compounds, and halogenated (including perhalogenated) derivatives thereof. In further embodiments, Group 13 metal compounds are tris(fluoro-substituted phenyl)boranes, tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane. In some embodiments, the activating co-catalyst is a tris((C₁-C₂₀)hydrocarbyl borate (e.g. trityl tetrafluoroborate) or a tri((C₁-C₂₀)hydrocarbyl)ammonium tetra((C₁-C₂₀)hydrocarbyl)borane (e.g. bis(octadecyl)methylammonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borane). As used herein, the term “ammonium” means a nitrogen cation that is a ((C₁-C₂₀)hydrocarbyl)₄N⁺ a ((C₁-C₂₀)hydrocarbyl)₃N(H)⁺, a ((C₁-C₂₀)hydrocarbyl)₂N(H)₂ ⁺, (C₁-C₂₀)hydrocarbylN(H)₃ ⁺, or N(H)₄ ⁺, wherein each (C₁-C₂₀)hydrocarbyl, when two or more are present, may be the same or different.

Combinations of neutral Lewis acid activators (co-catalysts) include mixtures comprising a combination of a tri((C₁-C₄)alkyl)aluminum and a halogenated tri((C₆-C₁₈)aryl)boron compound, especially a tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane. Embodiments are combinations of such neutral Lewis acid mixtures with a polymeric or oligomeric alumoxane, and combinations of a single neutral Lewis acid, especially tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane with a polymeric or oligomeric alumoxane. Ratios of numbers of moles of (metal-ligand complex):(tris(pentafluoro-phenylborane):(alumoxane) [e.g., (Group 4 metal-ligand complex):(tris(pentafluoro-phenylborane):(alumoxane)] are from 1:1:1 to 1:10:30, in embodiments, from 1:1:1.5 to 1:5:10

The catalyst system comprising the metal-ligand complex of formula (I) may be activated to form an active catalyst composition by combination with one or more co-catalysts, for example, a cation forming co-catalyst, a strong Lewis acid, or combinations thereof. Suitable activating co-catalysts include polymeric or oligomeric aluminoxanes, especially methyl aluminoxane, as well as inert, compatible, noncoordinating, ion forming compounds. Exemplary suitable co-catalysts include, but are not limited to: modified methyl aluminoxane (MMAO), bis(hydrogenated tallow alkyl)methyl, tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate(1″) amine, and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, one or more of the foregoing activating co-catalysts are used in combination with each other. An especially preferred combination is a mixture of a tri((C₁□C₄)hydrocarbyl)aluminum, tri((C₁-C₄)hydrocarbyl)borane, or an ammonium borate with an oligomeric or polymeric alumoxane compound. The ratio of total number of moles of one or more metal-ligand complexes of formula (I) to total number of moles of one or more of the activating co-catalysts is from 1:10,000 to 100:1. In some embodiments, the ratio is at least 1:5000, in some embodiments, at least 1:1000; and 10:1 or less, and in some embodiments, 1:1 or less. When an alumoxane alone is used as the activating co-catalyst, preferably the number of moles of the alumoxane that are employed is at least 100 times the number of moles of the metal-ligand complex of formula (I). When tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane alone is used as the activating co-catalyst, in some embodiments, the number of moles of the tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane that are employed to the total number of moles of one or more metal-ligand complexes of formula (I) from 0.5:1 to 10:1, from 1:1 to 6:1, or from 1:1 to 5:1. The remaining activating co-catalysts are generally employed in approximately mole quantities equal to the total mole quantities of one or more metal-ligand complexes of formula (I).

Test Methods

The test methods include the following:

Melt Index

Melt indices I₂ (or I2) and I₁₀ (or I10) of polymer samples were measured in accordance to ASTM D-1238 (method B) at 190° C. and at 2.16 kg and 10 kg load, respectively. Their values are reported in g/10 min. Fractions of polymer samples were measured by collecting product polymer from the reactor which produces that specific fraction or portion of the polymer composition. For example, the first polyethylene fraction can be collected from the reactor producing the lower density, higher molecular weight component of the polymer composition. The polymer solution is dried under vacuum before the melt index measurement.

Density

Samples for density measurement were prepared according to ASTM D4703. Measurements were made, according to ASTM D792, Method B, within one hour of sample pressing.

ASTM D1709 Dart Drop

The film Dart Drop test determines the energy that causes plastic film to fail under specified conditions of impact by a free falling dart. The test result is the energy, expressed in terms of the weight of the missile falling from a specified height, which would result in failure of 50% of the specimens tested.

After the film is produce, it is conditioned for at least 40 hours at 23° C. (+/−2° C.) and 50% R.H (+/−5) as per ASTM standards. Standard testing conditions are 23° C. (+/−2° C.) and 50% R.H (+/−5) as per ASTM standards.

The test result is reported by Method A, which uses a 1.5″ diameter dart head and 26″ drop height. The sample thickness is measured at the sample center and the sample then clamped by an annular specimen holder with an inside diameter of 5 inches. The dart is loaded above the center of the sample and released by either a pneumatic or electromagnetic mechanism.

Testing is carried out according to the ‘staircase’ method. If the sample fails, a new sample is tested with the weight of the dart reduced by a known and fixed amount. If the sample does not fail, a new sample is tested with the weight of the dart increased by a known amount. After 20 specimens have been tested the number of failures is determined. If this number is 10 then the test is complete. If the number is less than 10 then the testing continues until 10 failures have been recorded. If the number is greater than 10, testing is continued until the total of non-failures is 10. The Dart drop strength is determined from these data as per ASTM D1709 and expressed in grams as the dart drop impact of Type A. All the samples analyzed were 2 mil thick.

Instrumented Dart Impact

Instrumented dart impact method is measured according to ASTM D7192 on plastic film specimens using an Instron CEAST 9350 impact tester. The test is conducted using 12.7 mm diameter tup with hemispherical head, 75 mm diameter clamping assembly with rubber faced grips. The instrument is equipped with an environmental chamber for testing at low or high temperature. Typical specimen size is 125 mm×125 mm. Standard test velocity is 200 m/min. Film thickness is 2 mil.

Creep Zero Shear Viscosity Measurement Method

Zero-shear viscosities are obtained via creep tests that were conducted on an AR-G2 stress controlled rheometer (TA Instruments; New Castle, Del.) using 25-mm-diameter parallel plates at 190° C. The rheometer oven is set to test temperature for at least 30 minutes prior to zeroing fixtures. At the testing temperature a compression molded sample disk is inserted between the plates and allowed to come to equilibrium for 5 minutes. The upper plate is then lowered down to 50 μm above the desired testing gap (1.5 mm). Any superfluous material is trimmed off and the upper plate is lowered to the desired gap. Measurements are done under nitrogen purging at a flow rate of 5 L/min. Default creep time is set for 2 hours.

A constant low shear stress of 20 Pa is applied for all of the samples to ensure that the steady state shear rate is low enough to be in the Newtonian region. The resulting steady state shear rates are in the range of 10⁻³ to 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹ for the samples in this study. Steady state is determined by taking a linear regression for all the data in the last 10% time window of the plot of log (J(t)) vs. log(t), where J(t) is creep compliance and t is creep time. If the slope of the linear regression is greater than 0.97, steady state is considered to be reached, then the creep test is stopped. In all cases in this study the slope meets the criterion within 2 hours. The steady state shear rate is determined from the slope of the linear regression of all of the data points in the last 10% time window of the plot of c vs. t, where c is strain. The zero-shear viscosity is determined from the ratio of the applied stress to the steady state shear rate.

In order to determine if the sample is degraded during the creep test, a small amplitude oscillatory shear test is conducted before and after the creep test on the same specimen from 0.1 to 100 rad/s. The complex viscosity values of the two tests are compared. If the difference of the viscosity values at 0.1 rad/s is greater than 5%, the sample is considered to have degraded during the creep test, and the result is discarded.

Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC)

The chromatographic system consisted of a PolymerChar GPC-IR (Valencia, Spain) high temperature GPC chromatograph equipped with an internal IRS infra-red detector (IRS). The autosampler oven compartment was set at 160° Celsius and the column compartment was set at 150° Celsius. The columns used were 4 Agilent “Mixed A” 30 cm 20-micron linear mixed-bed columns and a 20-um pre-column. The chromatographic solvent used was 1,2,4 trichlorobenzene and contained 200 ppm of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The solvent source was nitrogen sparged. The injection volume used was 200 microliters and the flow rate was 1.0 milliliters/minute.

Calibration of the GPC column set was performed with 21 narrow molecular weight distribution polystyrene standards with molecular weights ranging from 580 to 8,400,000 and were arranged in 6 “cocktail” mixtures with at least a decade of separation between individual molecular weights. The standards were purchased from Agilent Technologies. The polystyrene standards were prepared at 0.025 grams in 50 milliliters of solvent for molecular weights equal to or greater than 1,000,000, and 0.05 grams in 50 milliliters of solvent for molecular weights less than 1,000,000. The polystyrene standards were dissolved at 80 degrees Celsius with gentle agitation for 30 minutes. The polystyrene standard peak molecular weights were converted to polyethylene molecular weights using Equation 1 (as described in Williams and Ward, J. Polym. Sci., Polym. Let., 6, 621 (1968)):

M _(polyethylene) =A×(M _(polystyrene))^(B)  (EQ 1)

where M is the molecular weight, A has a value of 0.4315 and B is equal to 1.0.

A fifth order polynomial was used to fit the respective polyethylene-equivalent calibration points. A small adjustment to A (from approximately 0.375 to 0.445) was made to correct for column resolution and band-broadening effects such that linear homopolymer polyethylene standard is obtained at 120,000 Mw.

The total plate count of the GPC column set was performed with decane (prepared at 0.04 g in 50 milliliters of TCB and dissolved for 20 minutes with gentle agitation.) The plate count (Equation 2) and symmetry (Equation 3) were measured on a 200 microliter injection according to the following equations:

$\begin{matrix} {{{Plate}{Count}} = {5.54*\left( \frac{\left( {RV}_{{Peak}{Max}} \right.}{{Peak}{Width}{at}\frac{1}{2}{height}} \right)^{2}}} & \left( {{EQ}2} \right) \end{matrix}$

where RV is the retention volume in milliliters, the peak width is in milliliters, the peak max is the maximum height of the peak, and ½ height is ½ height of the peak maximum.

$\begin{matrix} {{Symmetry} = \frac{\left( {{{Rear}{Peak}{RV}_{{one}{tenth}{height}}} - {RV}_{{Peak}\max}} \right)}{\left( {{RV}_{{Peak}\max} - {{Front}{Peak}{RV}_{{one}{tenth}{height}}}} \right)}} & \left( {{EQ}3} \right) \end{matrix}$

where RV is the retention volume in milliliters and the peak width is in milliliters, Peak max is the maximum position of the peak, one tenth height is 1/10 height of the peak maximum, and where rear peak refers to the peak tail at later retention volumes than the peak max and where front peak refers to the peak front at earlier retention volumes than the peak max. The plate count for the chromatographic system should be greater than 18,000 and symmetry should be between 0.98 and 1.22.

Samples were prepared in a semi-automatic manner with the PolymerChar “Instrument Control” Software, wherein the samples were weight-targeted at 2 mg/ml, and the solvent (contained 200 ppm BHT) was added to a pre nitrogen-sparged septa-capped vial, via the PolymerChar high temperature autosampler. The samples were dissolved for 2 hours at 160° Celsius under “low speed” shaking.

The calculations of Mn_((GPC)), Mw_((GPC)), and Mz_((GPC)) were based on GPC results using the internal IRS detector (measurement channel) of the PolymerChar GPC-IR chromatograph according to Equations 4-6, using PolymerChar GPCOne™ software, the baseline-subtracted IR chromatogram at each equally-spaced data collection point (i), and the polyethylene equivalent molecular weight obtained from the narrow standard calibration curve for the point (i) from Equation 1.

$\begin{matrix} {{Mn}_{({GPC})} = \frac{\sum\limits^{i}{IR}_{i}}{\sum\limits^{i}\left( {{IR}_{i}/\text{?}} \right)}} & \left( {{EQ}4} \right) \end{matrix}$ $\begin{matrix} {{Mw}_{({GPC})} = \frac{\sum\limits^{i}\left( {{IR}_{i}*\text{?}} \right)}{\sum\limits^{i}{IR}_{i}}} & \left( {{EQ}5} \right) \end{matrix}$ $\begin{matrix} {{{Mz}_{({GPC})} = \frac{\sum\limits^{i}\left( {{IR}_{i}*\text{?}} \right)}{\sum\limits^{i}\left( {{IR}_{i}*\text{?}} \right)}}{\text{?}\text{indicates text missing or illegible when filed}}} & \left( {{EQ}6} \right) \end{matrix}$

In order to monitor the deviations over time, a flowrate marker (decane) was introduced into each sample via a micropump controlled with the PolymerChar GPC-IR system. This flowrate marker (FM) was used to linearly correct the pump flowrate (Flowrate(nominal)) for each sample by RV alignment of the respective decane peak within the sample (RV(FM Sample)) to that of the decane peak within the narrow standards calibration (RV(FM Calibrated)). Any changes in the time of the decane marker peak are then assumed to be related to a linear-shift in flowrate (Flowrate(effective)) for the entire run. To facilitate the highest accuracy of a RV measurement of the flow marker peak, a least-squares fitting routine is used to fit the peak of the flow marker concentration chromatogram to a quadratic equation. The first derivative of the quadratic equation is then used to solve for the true peak position. After calibrating the system based on a flow marker peak, the effective flowrate (with respect to the narrow standards calibration) is calculated as Equation 7. Processing of the flow marker peak was done via the PolymerChar GPCOne™ Software. Acceptable flowrate correction is such that the effective flowrate should be within +/−0.5% of the nominal flowrate.

Flowrate(effective)=Flowrate(nominal)*(RV(FM Calibrated)/RV(FM Sample))  (EQ 7)

Improved Method for Comonomer Content Analysis (iCCD)

Improved method for comonomer content analysis (iCCD) was developed in 2015 (Cong and Parrott et al., WO2017040127A1). iCCD test was performed with Crystallization Elution Fractionation instrumentation (CEF) (PolymerChar, Spain) equipped with IR-5 detector (PolymerChar, Spain) and two angle light scattering detector Model 2040 (Precision Detectors, currently Agilent Technologies). A guard column packed with 20-27 micron glass (MoSCi Corporation, USA) in a 5 cm or 10 cm (length)×¼″ (ID) stainless was installed just before IR-5 detector in the detector oven. Ortho-dichlorobenzene (ODCB, 99% anhydrous grade or technical grade) was used. Silica gel 40 (particle size 0.2˜0.5 mm, catalogue number 10181-3) from EMD Chemicals was obtained (can be used to dry ODCB solvent before). The CEF instrument is equipped with an autosampler with N2 purging capability. ODCB is sparged with dried nitrogen (N2) for one hour before use. Sample preparation was done with autosampler at 4 mg/ml (unless otherwise specified) under shaking at 160° C. for 1 hour. The injection volume was 300 μl. The temperature profile of iCCD was: crystallization at 3° C./min from 105° C. to 30° C., the thermal equilibrium at 30° C. for 2 minute (including Soluble Fraction Elution Time being set as 2 minutes), elution at 3° C./min from 30° C. to 140° C. The flow rate during crystallization is 0.0 ml/min. The flow rate during elution is 0.50 ml/min. The data was collected at one data point/second.

The iCCD column was packed with gold coated nickel particles (Bright 7GNM8-NiS, Nippon Chemical Industrial Co.) in a 15 cm (length)×¼″ (ID) stainless tubing. The column packing and conditioning were with a slurry method according to the reference (Cong, R.; Parrott, A.; Hollis, C.; Cheatham, M. WO2017040127A1). The final pressure with TCB slurry packing was 150 Bars.

Column temperature calibration was performed by using a mixture of the Reference Material Linear homopolymer polyethylene (having zero comonomer content, Melt index (I₂) of 1.0, polydispersity M_(w)/M_(n) approximately 2.6 by conventional gel permeation chromatography, 1.0 mg/ml) and Eicosane (2 mg/ml) in ODCB. iCCD temperature calibration consisted of four steps: (1) Calculating the delay volume defined as the temperature offset between the measured peak elution temperature of Eicosane minus 30.00° C.; (2) Subtracting the temperature offset of the elution temperature from iCCD raw temperature data. It is noted that this temperature offset is a function of experimental conditions, such as elution temperature, elution flow rate, etc.; (3) Creating a linear calibration line transforming the elution temperature across a range of 30.00° C. and 140.00° C. so that the linear homopolymer polyethylene reference had a peak temperature at 101.0° C., and Eicosane had a peak temperature of 30.0° C.; (4) For the soluble fraction measured isothermally at 30° C., the elution temperature below 30.0° C. is extrapolated linearly by using the elution heating rate of 3° C./min according to the reference (Cerk and Cong et al., U.S. Pat. No. 9,688,795).

The comonomer content versus elution temperature of iCCD was constructed by using 12 reference materials (ethylene homopolymer and ethylene-octene random copolymer made with single site metallocene catalyst, having ethylene equivalent weight average molecular weight ranging from 35,000 to 128,000). All of these reference materials were analyzed same way as specified previously at 4 mg/mL. The reported elution peak temperatures were linearly fit to the linear equation y=−6.3515x.+101.00, where y represented elution temperature of iCCD and x represented the octene mole %, and R² was 0.978.

Molecular weight of polymer and the molecular weight of the polymer fractions was determined directly from LS detector (90 degree angle) and concentration detector (IR-5) according Rayleigh-Gans-Debys approximation (Striegel and Yau, Modern Size Exclusion Liquid Chromatogram, Page 242 and Page 263) by assuming the form factor of 1 and all the virial coefficients equal to zero. Integration windows are set to integrate all the chromatograms in the elution temperature (temperature calibration is specified above) range from 23.0 to 120° C.

The calculation of Molecular Weight (Mw) from iCCD includes the following four steps:

(1) Measuring the interdetector offset. The offset is defined as the geometric volume offset between LS with respect to concentration detector. It is calculated as the difference in the elution volume (mL) of polymer peak between concentration detector and LS chromatograms. It is converted to the temperature offset by using elution thermal rate and elution flow rate. A linear high density polyethylene (having zero comonomer content, Melt index (I₂) of 1.0, polydispersity M_(w)/M_(n) approximately 2.6 by conventional gel permeation chromatography) is used. Same experimental conditions as the normal iCCD method above are used except the following parameters: crystallization at 10° C./min from 140° C. to 137° C., the thermal equilibrium at 137° C. for 1 minute as Soluble Fraction Elution Time, soluble fraction (SF) time of 7 minutes, elution at 3° C./min from 137° C. to 142° C. The flow rate during crystallization is 0.0 ml/min. The flow rate during elution is 0.80 ml/min. Sample concentration is 1.0 mg/ml.

(2) Each LS datapoint in LS chromatogram is shifted to correct for the interdetector offset before integration.

(3) Baseline subtracted LS and concentration chromatograms are integrated for the whole eluting temperature range of the Step (1). The MW detector constant is calculated by using a known MW HDPE sample in the range of 100,000 to 140,000Mw and the area ratio of the LS and concentration integrated signals.

(4) Mw of the polymer was calculated by using the ratio of integrated light scattering detector (90 degree angle) to the concentration detector and using the MW detector constant.

Calculation of half width is defined as the temperature difference between the front temperature and the rear temperature at the half of the maximum peak height, the front temperature at the half of the maximum peak is searched forward from 35.0° C., while the rear temperature at the half of the maximum peak is searched backward from 119.0° C.

Zero-Shear Viscosity Ratio (ZSVR)

ZSVR is defined as the ratio of the zero-shear viscosity (ZSV) of the branched polyethylene material to the ZSV of the linear polyethylene material at the equivalent weight average molecular weight (Mw-gpc) according to the following Equations (EQ) 8 and 9:

$\begin{matrix} {{ZSVR} = \frac{\eta_{0B}}{\eta_{0L}}} & \left( {{EQ}8} \right) \end{matrix}$ $\begin{matrix} {\eta_{0L} = {{2.2}9 \times 10^{{- 1}5}M_{w - {gpc}}^{365}}} & \left( {{EQ}9} \right) \end{matrix}$

The ZSV value is obtained from creep test at 190° C. via the method described above. The Mw-gpc value is determined by the conventional GPC method (Equation 5 in the Conventional GPC method description). The correlation between ZSV of linear polyethylene and its Mw-gpc was established based on a series of linear polyethylene reference materials. A description for the ZSV-Mw relationship can be found in the ANTEC proceeding: Karjala, Teresa P., Sammler, Robert L., Mangnus, Marc A., Hazlitt, Lonnie G., Johnson, Mark S., Hagen, Charles M. Jr., Huang, Joe W. L., Reichek, Kenneth N., “Detection of low levels of long-chain branching in polyolefins”, Annual Technical Conference—Society of Plastics Engineers (2008), 66th 887-891.

MD Tear

MD Tear was measured according to ASTM D-1922. The force in grams required to propagate tearing across a film specimen is measured using a Elmendorf Tear tester. Acting by gravity, the pendulum swings through an arc, tearing the specimen from a precut slit. The tear is propagated in the cross direction. Samples are conditioned for a minimum of 40 hours at temperature prior to testing

Dynamic Rheological Analysis

To characterize the rheological behavior of substantially linear ethylene polymers, S Lai and G. W. Knight introduced (ANTEC '93 Proceedings, Insite™ Technology Polyolefins (ITP)-New Rules in the Structure/Rheology Relationship of Ethylene &-Olefin Copolymers, New Orleans, La., May 1993) a new rheological measurement, the Dow Rheology Index (DRI) which expresses a polymer's “normalized relaxation time as the result of long chain branching”. S. Lai et al; (ANTEC '94, Dow Rheology Index (DRI) for Insite™ Technology Polyolefins (ITP): Unique structure-Processing Relationships, pp. 1814-1815) defined the DRI as the extent to which the rheology of ethylene-octene copolymers known as ITP (Dow's Insite Technology Polyolefins) incorporating long chain branches into the polymer backbone deviates from the rheology of the conventional linear homogeneous polyolefins that are reported to have no Long Chain Branches (LCB) by the following normalized equation:

DRI=[3650000×(τ₀/η₀)−1]/10  (EQ 10)

wherein τ₀ is the characteristic relaxation time of the material and is the zero shear rate complex viscosity of the material. The DRI is calculated by least squares fit of the rheological curve (dynamic complex viscosity η*(ω) versus applied frequency (ω) e.g., 0.01-100 rads/s) as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,114,486 with the following generalized Cross equation, i.e.

η*(ω)=η₀/[1+(ω·τ₀)^(n)]  (EQ 11)

wherein n is the power law index of the material, η*(ω) and ω are the measured complex viscosity and applied frequency data respectively.

Dynamic rheological measurements are carried out, according to ASTM D4440, on a dynamic rheometer (e.g., ARES rheometer by TA Instruments) with 25 mm diameter parallel plates in a dynamic mode under an inert atmosphere. For all experiments, the rheometer has been thermally stable at 190° C. for at least 30 minutes before inserting the appropriately stabilized (with anti-oxidant additives), compression-moulded sample onto the parallel plates. The plates are then closed with a positive normal force registered on the meter to ensure good contact. After approximately 5 minutes at 190° C., the plates are lightly compressed and the surplus polymer at the circumference of the plates is trimmed. A further 10 minutes is allowed for thermal stability and for the normal force to decrease back to zero. That is, all measurements are carried out after the samples have been equilibrated at 190° C. for approximately 15 minutes and are run under full nitrogen blanketing.

Two strain sweep (SS) experiments are initially carried out at 190° C. to determine the linear viscoelastic strain that would generate a torque signal which is greater than 10% of the lower scale of the transducer, over the full frequency (e.g. 0.01 to 100 rad/s) range. The first SS experiment is carried out with a low applied frequency of 0.1 rad/s. This test is used to determine the sensitivity of the torque at low frequency. The second SS experiment is carried out with a high applied frequency of 100 rad/s. This is to ensure that the selected applied strain is well within the linear viscoelastic region of the polymer so that the oscillatory rheological measurements do not induce structural changes to the polymer during testing. In addition, a time sweep (TS) experiment is carried out with a low applied frequency of 0.1 rad/s at the selected strain (as determined by the SS experiments) to check the stability of the sample during testing.

The values of storage (or elastic) modulus, loss (or viscous) modulus (G″), complex modulus (G*), complex viscosity (η*) and tan δ (the ratio of loss modulus and storage modulus, G′VG′) were obtained as a function of frequency (w) at a given temperature (e.g., 190° C.

ASTM D1922 MD (Machine Direction) and CD (Cross Direction) Elmendorf Tear Type B

The Elmendorf Tear test determines the average force to propagate tearing through a specified length of plastic film or non-rigid sheeting, after the tear has been started, using an Elmendorf-type tearing tester.

After film production from the sample to be tested, the film was conditioned for at least 40 hours at 23° C. (+/−2° C.) and 50% R.H (+/−5) as per ASTM standards. Standard testing conditions were 23° C. (+/−2° C.) and 50% R.H (+/−5) as per ASTM standards.

The force, in grams, required to propagate tearing across a film or sheeting specimen was measured, using a precisely calibrated pendulum device. In the test, acting by gravity, the pendulum swung through an arc, tearing the specimen from a precut slit. The specimen was held on one side by the pendulum, and on the other side by a stationary member. The loss in energy by the pendulum was indicated by a pointer or by an electronic scale. The scale indication was a function of the force required to tear the specimen.

The sample specimen geometry used in the Elmendorf tear test was the ‘constant radius geometry,’ as specified in ASTM D1922. Testing is typically carried out on specimens that have been cut from both the film MD and CD directions. Prior to testing, the film specimen thickness was measured at the sample center. A total of 15 specimens per film direction were tested, and the average tear strength and average thickness reported. The average tear strength was normalized to the average thickness.

ASTM D882 MD and CD, 1% and 2% Secant Modulus

The film MD (Machine Direction) and CD (Cross Direction) secant modulus was determined per ASTM D882. The reported secant modulus value was the average of five measurements.

Puncture Strength

The Puncture test determines the resistance of a film to the penetration of a probe, at a standard low rate, a single test velocity. The puncture test method is based on ASTM D5748. After film production, the film was conditioned for at least 40 hours at 23° C. (+/−2° C.) and 50% R.H (+/−5), as per ASTM standards. Standard testing conditions are 23° C. (+/−2° C.) and 50% R.H (+/−5) as per ASTM standards. Puncture was measured on a tensile testing machine. Square specimens were cut from a sheet, to a size of “6 inches by 6 inches.” The specimen was clamped in a “4 inch diameter” circular specimen holder, and a puncture probe was pushed into the center of the clamped film, at a cross head speed of 10 inches/minute. The internal test method follows ASTM D5748, with one modification. It deviated from the ASTM D5748 method, in that the probe used, was a “0.5 inch diameter” polished steel ball on a “0.25 inch” support rod (rather than the 0.75 inch diameter, pear shaped probe specified in D5748).

There was a “7.7 inch” maximum travel length to prevent damage to the test fixture. There was no gauge length; prior to testing, the probe was as close as possible to, but not touching the specimen. A single thickness measurement was made in the center of the specimen. For each specimen, the maximum force, the force at break, the penetration distance, and the energy to break were determined. A total of five specimens were tested to determine an average puncture value. The puncture probe was cleaned using a “Kim-wipe” after each specimen.

EXAMPLES

The following examples illustrate features of the present disclosure but are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The following experiments analyzed the performance of embodiments of the multilayer films described herein.

Example 1A: Preparation of Polyethylene Compositions 1-5

Polyethylene Compositions 1-5, which are described according to the one or more embodiments of the detailed description, were prepared by a method and utilizing the catalysts and reactors described below.

All raw materials (monomer and comonomer) and the process solvent (a narrow boiling range high-purity isoparaffinic solvent, Isopar-E) are purified with molecular sieves before introduction into the reaction environment. Hydrogen is supplied pressurized as a high purity grade and is not further purified. The reactor monomer feed stream is pressurized via a mechanical compressor to above reaction pressure. The solvent and comonomer feed is pressurized via a pump to above reaction pressure. The individual catalyst components are manually batch diluted with purified solvent and pressured to above reaction pressure. All reaction feed flows are measured with mass flow meters and independently controlled with computer automated valve control systems.

A two reactor system is used in a series configuration, as is depicted in FIG. 3. Each continuous solution polymerization reactor consists of a liquid full, non-adiabatic, isothermal, circulating, loop reactor which mimics a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) with heat removal. Independent control of all fresh solvent, monomer, comonomer, hydrogen, and catalyst component feeds is possible. The total fresh feed stream to each reactor (solvent, monomer, comonomer, and hydrogen) is temperature controlled to maintain a single solution phase by passing the feed stream through a heat exchanger. The total fresh feed to each polymerization reactor is injected into the reactor at two locations with approximately equal reactor volumes between each injection location. The fresh feed is controlled with each injector receiving half of the total fresh feed mass flow. The catalyst components are injected into the polymerization reactor through injection stingers. The primary catalyst component feed is computer controlled to maintain each reactor monomer conversion at the specified targets. The cocatalyst components are fed based on calculated specified molar ratios to the primary catalyst component. Immediately following each reactor feed injection location, the feed streams are mixed with the circulating polymerization reactor contents with static mixing elements. The contents of each reactor are continuously circulated through heat exchangers responsible for removing much of the heat of reaction and with the temperature of the coolant side responsible for maintaining an isothermal reaction environment at the specified temperature. Circulation around each reactor loop is provided by a pump.

In dual series reactor configuration the effluent from the first polymerization reactor (containing solvent, monomer, comonomer, hydrogen, catalyst components, and polymer) exits the first reactor loop and is added to the second reactor loop.

The second reactor effluent enters a zone where it is deactivated with the addition of and reaction with a suitable reagent (water). At this same reactor exit location other additives are added for polymer stabilization (typical antioxidants suitable for stabilization during extrusion and film fabrication like Octadecyl 3,5-Di-Tert-Butyl-4-Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tetrakis(Methylene(3,5-Di-Tert-Butyl-4-Hydroxyhydrocinnamate))Methane, and Tris(2,4-Di-Tert-Butyl-Phenyl) Phosphite).

Following catalyst deactivation and additive addition, the reactor effluent enters a devolatization system where the polymer is removed from the non-polymer stream. The isolated polymer melt is pelletized and collected. The non-polymer stream passes through various pieces of equipment which separate most of the ethylene which is removed from the system. Most of the solvent and unreacted comonomer is recycled back to the reactor after passing through a purification system. A small amount of solvent and comonomer is purged from the process.

The reactor stream feed data flows that correspond to the values in Table 1 used to produced the example are graphically described in FIG. 3. The data are presented such that the complexity of the solvent recycle system is accounted for and the reaction system can be treated more simply as a once through flow diagram. Table 1B shows the catalysts referenced in Table 1A.

TABLE 1A Polyethylene Polyethylene Polyethylene Polyethylene Polyethylene Polyethylene Composition Composition Composition Composition Composition composition 1 2 3 4 5 Reactor Type Dual Series Dual Series Dual Series Dual Series Dual Series Configuration Comonomer type Type 1-octene 1-octene 1-octene 1-octene 1-octene First Reactor Feed g/g 5.2 5.3 6.6 5.2 5.3 Solvent/Ethylene Mass Flow Ratio First Reactor Feed g/g 0.31 0.31 0.32 0.31 0.30 Comonomer/ Ethylene Mass Flow Ratio First Reactor Feed g/g 7.9E−05 6.3E−05 6.2E−05 8.9E−05 5.4E−05 Hydrogen/Ethylene Mass Flow Ratio First Reactor ° C. 175 175 170 175 175 Temperature First Reactor barg 50 50 50 50 50 Pressure First Reactor % 86.7 91.0 91.0 86.7 90.9 Ethylene Conversion First Reactor Type Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst Type Component 1 Component 1 Component 1 Component 1 Component 1 First Reactor Co- Type Co-Catalyst 1 Co-Catalyst 1 Co-Catalyst 1 Co-Catalyst 1 Co-Catalyst 1 Catalyst 1 Type First Reactor Co- Type Co-Catalyst 2 Co-Catalyst 2 Co-Catalyst 2 Co-Catalyst 2 Co-Catalyst 2 Catalyst 2 Type First Reactor Type Zr Zr Zr Zr Zr Catalyst Metal First Reactor Co- Ratio 2.4 1.1 1.2 1.5 1.5 Catalyst 1 to Catalyst Molar Ratio (B to Zr ratio) First Reactor Co- Ratio 23.7 55.0 45.0 15.8 11.5 Catalyst 2 to Catalyst Molar Ratio (Al to Zr ratio) First Reactor min 7.8 8.5 9.0 8.0 8.5 Residence Time Second Reactor g/g 2.4 2.1 2.5 2.5 2.1 Feed Solvent/ Ethylene Mass Flow Ratio Second Reactor g/g 0.148 0.068 0.063 0.086 0.061 Feed Comonomer/ Ethylene Mass Flow Ratio Second Reactor g/g 3.3E−04 1.1E−03 3.1E−04 3.1E−04 1.1E−03 Feed Hydrogen/ Ethylene Mass Flow Ratio Second Reactor ° C. 200 200 200 200 200 Temperature Second Reactor barg 51 50 50 50 50 Pressure Second Reactor % 85.1 74.2 88.0 85.0 84.2 Ethylene Conversion Second Reactor Type Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst Type Component 2 Component 2 Component 2 Component 2 Component 2 Second Reactor Co- Type Co-Catalyst 1 Co-Catalyst 1 Co-Catalyst 1 Co-Catalyst 1 Co-Catalyst 1 Catalyst 1 Type Second Reactor Co- Type Co-Catalyst 2 Co-Catalyst 2 Co-Catalyst 2 Co-Catalyst 2 Co-Catalyst 2 Catalyst 2 Type Second Reactor Type Zr Zr Zr Zr Zr Catalyst Metal Second Reactor Co- mol/ 1.1 10.0 6.7 13.3 17.1 Catalyst 1 to mol Catalyst Molar Ratio (B to Metal ratio) Second Reactor Co- mol/ 1443.4 >100.0 >100.0 >100.0 >100.0 Catalyst 2 to mol Catalyst Molar Ratio (Al to Metal ratio) Second Reactor min 5.6 5.7 5.4 5.6 5.7 Residence Time Percentage of Total wt % 56.9 52.4 41.5 56.9 52.5 Ethylene Feed to First Reactor

TABLE 1B Catalyst component 1 Zirconium, dimethyl[[2,2’’’-[[bis[1-methylethyl)germylene]bis(methyleneoxy- kO)]bis[3’’,5,5’’-tris(1,1-dimethylethyl)-5’-octyl[1,1’:3’,1’’-terphenyl]-2’-olato-kO]](2-)] Catalyst component 2 Zirconium, dimethyl [[2,2’’’-[1,3-propanediylbis(oxy-kO)]bis[3-[2,7-bis(1,1- dimethylethyl)-9H-carbazol-9-yl]]-5’-(dimethyloctylsilyl)-3’-methyl-5-(1,1,3,3- tetramethylbutyl)[1,1]-biphenyl]-2-olato-kO]](2-)]- Catalyst component 3 Hafnium, [[2′,2′′′-[1,2-cyclohexanediylbis(methyleneoxy-.kappa,O)]bis[3-(9H-carbazol- 9-yl)-5-methyl[1,1′-biphenyl]-2-olato-.kappa.O]](2-)]dimethyl- Catalyst component 4 Catalyst component 4 comprised a Ziegler-Natta type catalyst). The heterogeneous Ziegler-Natta type catalyst-premix was prepared substantially according to U.S. Pat. No. 4,612,300, by sequentially adding to a volume of ISOPAR E, a slurry of anhydrous magnesium chloride in ISOPAR E, a solution of EtAlCl2 in heptane, and a solution of Ti(O-iPr)4 in heptane, to yield a composition containing a magnesium concentration of 0.20 M, and a ratio of Mg/Al/Ti of 40/12.5/3. An aliquot of this composition was further diluted with ISOPAR-E, to yield a final concentration of 500 ppm Ti in the slurry. While being fed to, and prior to entry into, the polymerization reactor, the catalyst premix was contacted with a dilute solution of Et3Al, in the molar Al to Ti ratio specified in Table XX, to give the active catalyst. Co-catalyst 1 bis(hydrogenated tallow alkyl)methylammonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate(1-) Co-catalyst 2 modified methyl aluminoxane Co-catalyst 3 Tri-ethyl aluminum

Example 1B: Preparation of Polyethylene Composition 6

Polyethylene Composition 6, which is described according to the one or more embodiments of the detailed description, was prepared by a method and utilizing the catalysts and reactors described below.

All raw materials (monomer and comonomer) and the process solvent (a narrow boiling range high-purity isoparaffinic solvent, Isopar-E) are purified with molecular sieves before introduction into the reaction environment. Hydrogen is supplied pressurized as a high purity grade and is not further purified. The reactor monomer feed stream is pressurized via a mechanical compressor to above reaction pressure. The solvent and comonomer feed is pressurized via a pump to above reaction pressure. The individual catalyst components are manually batch diluted with purified solvent and pressured to above reaction pressure. All reaction feed flows are measured with mass flow meters and independently controlled with computer automated valve control systems.

A two reactor system is used in a parallel configuration. Each continuous solution polymerization reactor consists of a liquid full, non-adiabatic, isothermal, circulating, loop reactor which mimics a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) with heat removal. Independent control of all fresh solvent, monomer, comonomer, hydrogen, and catalyst component feeds is possible. The total fresh feed stream to each reactor (solvent, monomer, comonomer, and hydrogen) is temperature controlled to maintain a single solution phase by passing the feed stream through a heat exchanger. The total fresh feed to each polymerization reactor is injected into the reactor at two locations with approximately equal reactor volumes between each injection location. The fresh feed is controlled with each injector receiving half of the total fresh feed mass flow. The catalyst components are injected into the polymerization reactor through a specially designed injection stingers. The primary catalyst component feed is computer controlled to maintain each reactor monomer conversion at the specified targets. The cocatalyst components are fed based on calculated specified molar ratios to the primary catalyst component. Immediately following each reactor feed injection location, the feed streams are mixed with the circulating polymerization reactor contents with static mixing elements. The contents of each reactor are continuously circulated through heat exchangers responsible for removing much of the heat of reaction and with the temperature of the coolant side responsible for maintaining an isothermal reaction environment at the specified temperature. Circulation around each reactor loop is provided by a pump.

The effluent streams from the first and the second polymerization reactors are combined prior to any additional processing. This final combined reactor effluent enters a zone where it is deactivated with the addition of and reaction with a suitable reagent (water). At this same reactor exit location other additives are added for polymer stabilization (typical antioxidants suitable for stabilization during extrusion and blown film fabrication like Octadecyl 3,5-Di-Tert-Butyl-4-Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tetrakis(Methylene(3,5-Di-Tert-Butyl-4-Hydroxyhydrocinnamate))Methane, and Tris(2,4-Di-Tert-Butyl-Phenyl) Phosphite).

Following catalyst deactivation and additive addition, the reactor effluent enters a devolatization system where the polymer is removed from the non-polymer stream. The isolated polymer melt is pelletized and collected. The non-polymer stream passes through various pieces of equipment which separate most of the ethylene which is removed from the system. Most of the solvent and unreacted comonomer is recycled back to the reactor after passing through a purification system. A small amount of solvent and comonomer is purged from the process.

The reactor stream feed data flows that correspond to the values in Table 2A used to produce the example are graphically described in FIG. 4. The data are presented such that the complexity of the solvent recycle system is accounted for and the reaction system can be treated more simply as a once through flow diagram. Table 1B shows the catalysts referenced in Table 2A of Example 1A.

TABLE 2A Polyethylene composition Polyethylene Composition 6 Reactor Configuration Type Dual Parallel Comonomer type Type 1-octene First Reactor Feed Solvent/Ethylene Mass Flow Ratio g/g 10.4 First Reactor Feed Comonomer/Ethylene Mass Flow Ratio g/g 0.33 First Reactor Feed Hydrogen/Ethylene Mass Flow Ratio g/g 6.6E−05 First Reactor Temperature ° C. 160 First Reactor Pressure barg 50 First Reactor Ethylene Conversion % 90.6 First Reactor Catalyst Type Type Catalyst component 1 First Reactor Co-Catalyst 1 Type Type Co-catalyst 1 First Reactor Co-Catalyst 2 Type Type Co-catalyst 2 First Reactor Catalyst Metal Type Zr First Reactor Co-Catalyst 1 to Catalyst Molar Ratio (B to Ratio 2.0 Metal ratio) First Reactor Co-Catalyst 2 to Catalyst Molar Ratio (Al to Ratio 46.7 Metal ratio) First Reactor Residence Time min 7.7 Second Reactor Feed Solvent/Ethylene Mass Flow Ratio g/g 2.5 Second Reactor Feed Comonomer/Ethylene Mass Flow g/g 0.048 Ratio Second Reactor Feed Hydrogen/Ethylene Mass Flow Ratio g/g 4.0E−04 Second Reactor Temperature ° C. 195 Second Reactor Pressure barg 50 Second Reactor Ethylene Conversion % 93.7 Second Reactor Catalyst Type Type Catalyst component 2 Second Reactor Co-Catalyst 1 Type Type Co-catalyst 1 Second Reactor Co-Catalyst 2 Type Type Co-catalyst 2 Second Reactor Catalyst Metal Type Zr Second Reactor Co-Catalyst 1 to Catalyst mol/mol 12.0 Molar Ratio (B to Metal ratio) Second Reactor Co-Catalyst 2 to Catalyst mol/mol >100.0 Molar Ratio (Al to Metal ratio) Second Reactor Residence Time min 22.9 Percentage of Total Ethylene Feed to First Reactor wt % 47.7

Example 2: Comparative Compositions A-J

Comparative Compositions A-C were prepared by methods described herein below. Comparative Compositions D-F are bimodal polyethylene compositions that are generally prepared using the catalyst system and processes provided for preparing the Inventive First Compositions in PCT Publication No. WO 2015/200743. Comparative Compositions G-J are commercially available polyethylene compositions. Table 3 identifies the commercially available polyethylene compositions of Comparative Compositions G-J.

TABLE 3 Sample Comparative Polyethylene Commercial Name composition (Company of Manufacture) G ELITE 5400G (Dow Chemical Co.) H ELITE 5111G (Dow Chemical Co.) I EXCEED 1012 (ExxonMobil) J EXCEED 1018 (ExxonMobil)

The preparation of Comparative Compositions A-C are described as follows. All raw materials (monomer and comonomer) and the process solvent (a narrow boiling range high-purity isoparaffinic solvent, Isopar-E) are purified with molecular sieves before introduction into the reaction environment. Hydrogen is supplied pressurized as a high purity grade and is not further purified. The reactor monomer feed stream is pressurized via a mechanical compressor to above reaction pressure. The solvent and comonomer feed is pressurized via a pump to above reaction pressure. The individual catalyst components are manually batch diluted with purified solvent and pressured to above reaction pressure. All reaction feed flows are measured with mass flow meters and independently controlled with computer automated valve control systems.

A two reactor system is used in a series configuration. Each continuous solution polymerization reactor consists of a liquid full, non-adiabatic, isothermal, circulating, loop reactor which mimics a continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) with heat removal. Independent control of all fresh solvent, monomer, comonomer, hydrogen, and catalyst component feeds is possible. The total fresh feed stream to each reactor (solvent, monomer, comonomer, and hydrogen) is temperature controlled to maintain a single solution phase by passing the feed stream through a heat exchanger. The total fresh feed to each polymerization reactor is injected into the reactor at two locations with approximately equal reactor volumes between each injection location. The fresh feed is controlled with each injector receiving half of the total fresh feed mass flow. The catalyst components are injected into the polymerization reactor through injection stingers. The primary catalyst component feed is computer controlled to maintain each reactor monomer conversion at the specified targets. The cocatalyst components are fed based on calculated specified molar ratios to the primary catalyst component. Immediately following each reactor feed injection location, the feed streams are mixed with the circulating polymerization reactor contents with static mixing elements. The contents of each reactor are continuously circulated through heat exchangers responsible for removing much of the heat of reaction and with the temperature of the coolant side responsible for maintaining an isothermal reaction environment at the specified temperature. Circulation around each reactor loop is provided by a pump.

In dual series reactor configuration the effluent from the first polymerization reactor (containing solvent, monomer, comonomer, hydrogen, catalyst components, and polymer) exits the first reactor loop and is added to the second reactor loop.

The second reactor effluent enters a zone where it is deactivated with the addition of and reaction with a suitable reagent (water). At this same reactor exit location other additives are added for polymer stabilization (typical antioxidants suitable for stabilization during extrusion and film fabrication like Octadecyl 3,5-Di-Tert-Butyl-4-Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tetrakis(Methylene(3,5-Di-Tert-Butyl-4-Hydroxyhydrocinnamate))Methane, and Tris(2,4-Di-Tert-Butyl-Phenyl) Phosphite).

Following catalyst deactivation and additive addition, the reactor effluent enters a devolatization system where the polymer is removed from the non-polymer stream. The isolated polymer melt is pelletized and collected. The non-polymer stream passes through various pieces of equipment which separate most of the ethylene which is removed from the system. Most of the solvent and unreacted comonomer is recycled back to the reactor after passing through a purification system. A small amount of solvent and comonomer is purged from the process.

The reactor stream feed data flows that correspond to the values in Table 4A used to produce the example are graphically described in FIG. 3. The data are presented such that the complexity of the solvent recycle system is accounted for and the reaction system can be treated more simply as a once through flow diagram. Table 1B shows the catalysts and co-catalysts shown in Table 4A.

TABLE 4A Comparative Comparative Comparative Polyethylene composition Composition A Composition B Composition C Reactor Configuration Type Dual Series Dual Series Dual Series Comonomer type Type 1-octene 1-octene 1-octene First Reactor Feed Solvent/ g/g 5.5 5.1 5.3 Ethylene Mass Flow Ratio First Reactor Feed Comonomer/ g/g 0.22 0.39 0.36 Ethylene Mass Flow Ratio First Reactor Feed Hydrogen/ g/g 1.8E−04 1.0E−04 9.2E−05 Ethylene Mass Flow Ratio First Reactor Temperature ° C. 160 160 160 First Reactor Pressure barg 50 50 50 First Reactor Ethylene Conversion % 90.9 88.4 90.8 First Reactor Catalyst Type Type Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst component 3 component 1 component 1 First Reactor Co-Catalyst 1 Type Type Co-catalyst 1 Co-catalyst 1 Co-catalyst 1 First Reactor Co-Catalyst 2 Type Type Co-catalyst 2 Co-catalyst 2 Co-catalyst 2 First Reactor Catalyst Metal Type Hf Zr Zr First Reactor Co-Catalyst 1 to Ratio 12.1 1.2 1.2 Catalyst Molar Ratio (B to Metal ratio) First Reactor Co-Catalyst 2 to Ratio 50.1 15.0 9.6 Catalyst Molar Ratio (Al to Metal ratio) First Reactor Residence Time min 17.4 7.6 8.0 Second Reactor Feed Solvent/ g/g 2.2 2.5 2.5 Ethylene Mass Flow Ratio Second Reactor Feed Comonomer/ g/g 0.030 0.105 0.084 Ethylene Mass Flow Ratio Second Reactor Feed Hydrogen/ g/g 1.4E−04 2.5E−04 2.5E−04 Ethylene Mass Flow Ratio Second Reactor Temperature ° C. 195 190 190 Second Reactor Pressure barg 52 51 51 Second Reactor Ethylene % 89.1 82.9 83.7 Conversion Second Reactor Catalyst Type Type Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst component 4 component 2 component 2 Second Reactor Co-Catalyst 1 Type Type None Co-catalyst 1 Co-catalyst 1 Second Reactor Co-Catalyst 2 Type Type Co-catalyst 3 Co-catalyst 2 Co-catalyst 2 Second Reactor Catalyst Metal Type Ti Zr Zr Second Reactor Co-Catalyst 1 to mol/mol n/a 1.2 1.2 Catalyst Molar Ratio (B to Metal ratio) Second Reactor Co-Catalyst 2 to mol/mol 4.0 3950 3520 Catalyst Molar Ratio (Al to Metal ratio) Second Reactor Residence Time min 7.7 5.8 5.8 Percentage of Total Ethylene Feed wt % 27.9 60.7 58.1 to First Reactor

Example 3: Analysis of Polyethylene Samples

Polyethylene Compositions 1-6 of Examples 1A and 1B, Comparative Polyethylene Compositions A-C of Example 2, as well as commercially available Comparative Polyethylene Samples D-J of Example 2 were analyzed by iCCD. The iCCD data of Polyethylene Composition 5 is provided in FIG. 2. Additional data generated from the iCCD testing of all samples is provided in Tables 5A and 5B. Specifically, Tables 5A and 5B includes analysis of the iCCD data, including the areas of the respective first and second polyethylene fractions (45-87° C. and 95-120° C.). Additional data is also provided for each example composition including overall density, Dart strength (method A), melt index, weight average molecular weight in the second PE fraction. These properties are based on monolayer blown films consisting completely of each polyethylene sample.

To conduct dart testing as well as other testing based on formed films, 2 mil blown films were formed with the polyethylene samples. Specifically, monolayer blown films are produced via an Egan Davis Standard extruder, equipped with a semi grooved barrel of ID 3.5 inch; 30/1 L/D ratio; a barrier screw; and an Alpine air ring. The extrusion line has an 8 inch die with internal bubble cooling. The extrusion line also has a film thickness gauge scanner. The film fabrication conditions were: film thickness maintained at 2 mil (0.001 in or 0.0254 mm); blow up ratio (BUR) 2.5; die gap 70 mil; and frost line height (FLH) 37 inch. The output rate was constant at 260 lbs/hr.

TABLE 5A First Second PE PE fraction fraction area area (45- (95- PE Overall Overall 87° 120° First PE fraction Sample density MI C.) C.) area to Second PE Unit (g/cm3) g/10 min % % fraction area ratio 1 0.925 0.85 55.97% 29.09% 1.92 3 0.928 0.85 45.24% 43.81% 1.03 5 0.928 0.85 57.96% 29.23% 1.98 6 0.93 0.50 47.08% 44.07% 1.07 A 0.935 0.85 31.80% 53.70% 0.59 B 0.918 0.85 65.50% 24.30% 2.70 C 0.918 0.85 67.80% 24.97% 2.72 D 0.912 0.85 76.41%  7.49% 10.20 E 0.918 0.85 60.58% 17.33% 3.50 F 0.925 0.85 55.35% 21.44% 2.58 G 0.916 1.00 73.66%  9.55% 7.71 H 0.925 0.85 52.82% 21.84% 2.42 I 0.912 1.00 91.22%  1.51% 60.41 J 0.918 1.00 73.38%  5.44% 13.49

TABLE 5B Overall First PE PE Mw of second polyethylene fraction melt Sample PE fraction composition Dart A MD Tear FWHM index Unit (g/mol) MWD g gf ° C. g/10 min 1 60444 3.5 1200 252 4 0.15 3 61805 3.5 1000 168 2.8 0.1 5 45684 4.6 1800 226 3.2 0.15 6 54882 4 2200 144 2.8 0.05 A 119731 3.9 300 103 4.2 0.1 B 65836 2.8 2200 303 3 0.28 C 72441 2.8 1800 324 2.8 0.3 D 96844 3.8 2000 — — 0.2 E 107698 3.8 1700 292 — 0.2 F 95477 3.5 700 214 10.6 0.15 G 126779 3.9 1200 — — — H 114384 3.7 400 — — — I 73300 2.4 1800 — — — J 91878 2.5 1200 — — —

The results show that no comparative example compositions display comparable dart strengths at overall densities of at least 0.924 g/cm³. For example, some comparative examples have high dart strength, but these samples have much lower density. Higher density comparative samples (e.g., 0.924 g/cm³ to 0.936 g/cm³) display much lower dart strength (e.g., less than 1000 grams).

Additionally, several compositions of Example 1 had Dow Rheology Indexes of less than 10, such as 3.5, 4.6, and 5.5.

Example 4: Instrumented Dart Impact Strength at Low Temperatures

Instrumented Dart Impact Strength was measured for several of the polyethylene compositions of Example 1, as well as several of the comparative polyethylene compositions of Example 2, at relatively low temperatures. The dart testing was performed on monolayer films prepared by the same methods disclosed in Example 3. The observed instrumental dart strength is shown in Table 6, which shows instrumental dart impact strength at 1° C., −10° C., and −20° C. The data shows that for low temperatures such as −20° C., dart strength is much improved in compositions of Example 1 as compared with comparative examples. As such, it is contemplated that the presently disclosed polyethylene compositions may have improved toughness when used in mono or multilayer films for frozen food packaging or other contexts where low temperatures are common.

TABLE 6 IDI at 1° C. IDI at −10° C. IDI at −20° C. (Average (Average (Average PE Sample Energy, J) Energy, J) Energy, J) Composition 5 1.047 1.096 0.998 Composition 4 0.836 0.684 0.616 Comparative Composition H 0.507 0.49 0.5 Comparative Composition F 0.66 0.559 0.54 Comparative Composition E 0.911 0.606 0.483

Example 5: Preparation of Comparative Films 5-A, 5-B, 5-C, 5-D and Films 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, 5-4

In this Example, three comparative films and six films according to presently-disclosed embodiments were prepared, each having an overall thickness of 80 μm. The materials to produce each of the film samples of Example 5 are provided in Tables 7-15.

As shown in Table 7, Comparative Film 5-A included approximately 6% distribution of polyamide, based on the total thickness of Comparative Film 5-A. The polyamide was included in layers D and F of Comparative Film 5-A.

TABLE 7 Layer distribution and composition of Comparative Film 5-A including polyamide. Distribution Thickness Layer (%) (μm) Comparative Film 5-A A 15 12 DOWLEX ™ 6001GC + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E B 24 19.2 DOWLEX ™ 6000G + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E C 5 4 BYNEL ® 41E687 D 3 2.4 UBE NYLON 5034B E 6 4.8 EVAL F101B F 3 2.4 UBE NYLON 5034B G 5 4 BYNEL ® 41E687 H 24 19.2 DOWLEX ™ 6000G + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E I 15 12 DOWLEX ™ 6000G + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E

As shown in Table 8, Comparative Film 5-B included approximately 15% distribution of polyamide, based on the total thickness of Comparative Film 5-B. The polyamide was included in layers D and F of Comparative Film 5-B.

TABLE 8 Layer distribution and composition of Comparative Film 5-B including polyamide. Distribution Thickness Layer (%) (μm) Comparative Film 5-B A 15 12 DOWLEX ™ 6001GC + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E B 19.5 15.6 DOWLEX ™ 6000G + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E C 5 4 BYNEL ® 41E687 D 7.5 6 UBE NYLON 5034B E 6 4.8 EVAL F101B F 7.5 6 UBE NYLON 5034B G 5 4 BYNEL ® 41E687 H 19.5 15.6 DOWLEX ™ 6000G + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E I 15 12 DOWLEX ™ 6000G + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E

As shown in Table 9, Comparative Film 5-C included no polyamide and included approximately 43.2% of Comparative Polyethylene Composition E, based on the total thickness of Comparative Film 5-C. In Comparative Film 5-C, Comparative Polyethylene Composition E was included in layers B, C, G, and H.

TABLE 9 Layer distribution and composition of Comparative Film 5-C including a comparative polyethylene. Distribution Thickness Layer (%) (μm) Comparative Film 5-C A 15 12 DOW ™ 6001GC + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E B 14 11.2 Comp. PE Composition E + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E C 13 10.4 Comp. PE Composition E + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E D 5 4 BYNEL ® 41E687 E 6 4.8 EVAL F101B F 5 4 BYNEL ® 41E687 G 13 10.4 Comp. PE Composition E + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E H 14 11.2 Comp. PE Composition E + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E I 15 12 DOWLEX ™ 6000G + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E

As shown in Table 10, Comparative Film 5-D included no polyamide and included approximately 43.2% of Comparative Polyethylene Composition B, based on the total thickness of Comparative Film 5-D. In Comparative Film 5-D, Comparative Polyethylene Composition B was included in layers B, C, G, and H.

TABLE 10 Layer distribution and composition of Comparative Film 5-D including Comparative Polyethylene Composition B. Distribution Thickness Layer (%) (μm) Comparative Film 5-D A 15 12 DOWLEX ™ 6001GC + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E B 14 11.2 Comp. PE Composition B + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E C 13 10.4 Comp. PE Composition B + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E D 5 4 BYNEL ® 41E687 E 6 4.8 EVAL F101B F 5 4 BYNEL ® 41E687 G 13 10.4 Comp. PE Composition B + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E H 14 11.2 Comp. PE Composition B + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E I 15 12 DOWLEX ™ 6000G + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E

As shown in Table 11, Film 5-1 included no polyamide and included approximately 43.2% of Polyethylene Composition 2, based on the total thickness of Film 5-1. In Film 5-1, Polyethylene Composition 2 was included in layers B, C, G, and H.

TABLE 11 Layer distribution and composition of Film 5-1 including Polyethylene Composition 2. Distribution Thickness Layer (%) (μm) Film 5-1 A 15 12 DOW ™ 6001GC + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E B 14 11.2 PE Composition 2 + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310 C 13 10.4 PE Composition 2 + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310 D 5 4 BYNEL ® 41E687 E 6 4.8 EVAL F101B F 5 4 BYNEL ® 41E687 G 13 10.4 PE Composition 2 + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310 H 14 11.2 PE Composition 2 + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310 I 15 12 DOWLEX ™ 6000G + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E

As shown in Table 12, Film 5-2 included no polyamide. Film 5-2 included approximately 22% of Comparative Polyethylene Composition B and 21% of Polyethylene Composition 2, based on the total thickness of Film 5-2. In Film 5-2, Comparative Polyethylene Composition B was included in layers B and H, and Polyethylene Composition 2 was included in layers C and G.

TABLE 12 Layer distribution and composition of Inventive Film 5-2 including Comparative Polyethylene Composition B and Polyethylene Composition 2. Distribution Thickness Layer (%) (μm) Film 5-2 A 15 12 DOWLEX ™ 6001GC + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E B 14 11.2 Comp. PE Composition B + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E C 13 10.4 PE Composition 2 + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310 D 5 4 BYNEL ® 41E687 E 6 4.8 EVAL F101B F 5 4 BYNEL ® 41E687 G 13 10.4 PE Composition 2 + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310 H 14 11.2 Comp. PE Composition B + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E I 15 12 DOWLEX ™ 6000G + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E

As shown in Table 13, Film 5-3 included no polyamide. Film 5-3 included approximately 22% of Comparative Polyethylene Composition B and 18% of Polyethylene Composition 2, based on the total thickness of Film 5-3. In Film 5-3, Comparative Polyethylene Composition B was included in layers B and H, and Polyethylene Composition 2 was included in layers C and G.

TABLE 13 Layer distribution and composition of Film 5-3 including Comparative Polyethylene Composition B and a blend of Polyethylene Composition 2 and HDPE. Distribution Thickness Layer (%) (μm) Film 5-3 A 15 12 DOWLEX ™ 6001GC + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E B 14 11.2 Comp. PE Composition B + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E C 13 10.4 PE Composition 2 + 30% DOW ™ 2750ST D 5 4 BYNEL ® 41E687 E 6 4.8 EVAL F101B F 5 4 BYNEL ® 41E687 G 13 10.4 PE Composition 2 + 30% DOW ™ 2750ST H 14 11.2 Comp. PE Composition B + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E I 15 12 DOWLEX ™ 6000G + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E

As shown in Table 14, Film 5-4 included no polyamide. Film 5-4 included approximately 22% of Comparative Polyethylene Composition B and 8% of Polyethylene Composition 2, based on the total thickness of Film 5-4. In Film 5-4, Comparative Polyethylene Composition B was included in layers B and H, and Polyethylene Composition 2 was included in layers C and G.

TABLE 14 Layer distribution and composition of Film 5-4 including Comparative Polyethylene Composition B and a blend of Polyethylene Composition 2 and HDPE. Distribution Thickness Layer (%) (μm) Film 5-4 A 15 12 DOWLEX ™ 6001GC + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E B 14 11.2 Comp. PE Composition B + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E C 13 10.4 PE Composition 2 + 70% DOW ™ 2750ST D 5 4 BYNEL ® 41E687 E 6 4.8 EVAL F101B F 5 4 BYNEL ® 41E687 G 13 10.4 PE Composition 2 + 70% DOW ™ 2750ST H 14 11.2 Comp. PE Composition B + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E I 15 12 DOWLEX ™ 6000G + 20% DOW ™ LDPE 310E

The extrusion conditions used to produce Comparative Films 5-A, 5-B, 5-C, 5-D and Films 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, 5-4 are summarized in Table 15.

TABLE 15 Extrusion conditions for Comparative Films 5-A, 5-B, 5-C, 5-D and Films 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, 5-4. Polyamide Polyethylene Films films (5-C, 5-D, 5-1, Condition Units (5-A, 5-B) 5-2, 5-3, 5-4) Structure — abcdcba abcdcba Take-off speed m/min 5.00 5.30 Total Output kg/h 19.0 18.0 Total Thickness um 80.0 80.0 Layflat mm 235 235 B.U.R. — 2.5 2.5 Die gap mm 1.8 1.8 Melt Temperature-Ext A DegC. 246 245 Melt Temperature-Ext B DegC. 250 230 Melt Temperature-Ext. C DegC. 220 230 Melt Temperature-Ext. D DegC. 250 235 Melt Temperature-Ext. E DegC. 230 230 Melt Temperature-Ext. F DegC. 250 235 Melt Temperature-Ext. G DegC. 220 230 Melt Temperature-Ext. H DegC. 250 230 Melt Temperature-Ext. I DegC. 250 245 RPM-Ext. A rpm 112 104 RPM-Ext. B rpm 93 60.0 RPM-Ext. C rpm 26 56.0 RPM-Ext. D rpm 35 43.0 RPM-Ext. E rpm 11 10.0 RPM-Ext. F rpm 35 43.0 RPM-Ext. G rpm 26 59.0 RPM-Ext. H rpm 90 56.0 RPM-Ext. I rpm 115 110

Example 6: Analysis of Comparative Films 5-A, 5-B, 5-C, 5-D and Films 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, 5-4

To compare the performance of Comparative Films 5-A, 5-B, 5-C, 5-D and Films 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, 5-4, dart drop impact was measured according to ISO 7765-1, puncture elongation and puncture force were measured according to ASTM D 5748-95.

The puncture and dart drop impact results for Comparative Films 5-A, 5-B, 5-C, 5-D and Films 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, 5-4 are provided in Table 16.

TABLE 16 Puncture and Dart Drop Impact measurements of Comparative Films 5-A, 5-B, 5-C, 5-D and Films 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, 5-4. Puncture Force Puncture Elongation Dart Drop Impact (N) (mm) (g) Comp. Film 5-A 79.52 51.15 359 Comp. Film 5-B 95.097 46.542 467 Comp. Film 5-C 91.995 84.883 422 Comp. Film 5-D 90.596 93.434 434 Film 5-1 90.839 83.825 439 Film 5-2 90.785 81.45 390 Film 5-3 89.915 74.1 393 Film 5-4 90.361 77.542 307

As shown in Table 16, Comparative Films 5-C, 5-D and Films 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, 5-4 exhibited higher puncture force and dart drop impact resistance than Comparative Film 5-A, which included approximately 6% polyamide. Comparative Films 5-A and 5-B, which both included polyamide, exhibited the lowest puncture elongation measurements (51.15 mm and 46.542 mm, respectively). Comparative Film 5-B, having approximately 15% polyamide, exhibited the highest impact resistance, as a result of its high molecular weight and molecular design. However, Comparative Film 5-B also has the most inferior recyclability when compared to the rest of the films in Example 5, due to the high polyamide content.

A comparison of Films 5-2, 5-3, and 5-4 shows the effect of increasing the density of subskin layers adjacent to tie layers (layers C and G), while holding the remaining layers constant. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the outer subskin (layers B and H) may have a greater influence on the puncture properties of the overall multilayer film. As shown in Table 16, the puncture elongation properties of the samples generally decreased as density increased, but none of Films 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, or 5-4 exhibited lower elongation than the comparative films that included polyamide (Comparative Films 5-A and 5-B). Without being bound by theory, it is believed that increasing the density of the subskin layers may sharpen the slope of the puncture curve without affecting the maximum puncture force of the film. Additionally, increasing the density of layers C and G appeared to negatively affect the impact resistance of the films.

It will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure defined in the appended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the present disclosure are identified herein as preferred or particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to these aspects. 

1. A multilayer film comprising: a first layer comprising polyethylene; a second layer comprising a first medium density polyethylene; a barrier layer, wherein the second layer is positioned between the first layer and the barrier layer; a third layer comprising a second medium density polyethylene, wherein the barrier layer is positioned between the second layer and the third layer; and a fourth layer comprising polyethylene, wherein the third layer is positioned between the barrier layer and the fourth layer; wherein the first medium density polyethylene and the second medium density polyethylene each comprise: (a) a first polyethylene fraction having a single peak in a temperature range of 45° C. to 87° C. in an elution profile via improved comonomer composition distribution (iCCD) analysis method, wherein a first polyethylene fraction area is an area in the elution profile beneath the single peak of the first polyethylene fraction between 45° C. and 87° C.; and (b) a second polyethylene fraction having a single peak in a temperature range of 95° C. to 120° C. in the elution profile via iCCD analysis method and wherein a second polyethylene fraction area is an area in the elution profile beneath the single peak of the second polyethylene fraction between 95° C. and 120° C.; wherein the first medium density polyethylene and the second medium density polyethylene each have a density of 0.924 g/cm³ to 0.936 g/cm³ and a melt index (I₂) of 0.25 g/10 minutes to 2.0 g/10 minutes, wherein the first polyethylene fraction area comprises at least 40% of the total area of the elution profile, wherein a ratio of the first polyethylene fraction area to the second polyethylene fraction area is 0.75 to 2.5, and wherein the width of the single peak of the second polyethylene fraction at 50 percent peak height is less than 5.0° C.
 2. The multilayer film of claim 1, further comprising one or more tie layers positioned between the barrier layer and one or both of the second layer and the third layer.
 3. The multilayer film of claim 1, wherein the second layer, the third layer, or both each further comprise a high density polyethylene, a low density polyethylene, a linear low density polyethylene or combinations thereof.
 4. The multilayer film of claim 1, wherein the second layer, the third layer, or both each comprise from 5 wt. % to 100 wt. % of the first medium density polyethylene, the second medium density polyethylene, or combinations thereof based on the total weight of the respective layer.
 5. The multilayer film of claim 1, wherein the second layer, the third layer, or both each comprise up to 20 wt. % low density polyethylene, based on the total weight of the respective layer.
 6. The multilayer film of claim 1, further comprising a fifth layer positioned between the barrier layer and the first layer, and wherein the fifth layer comprises one or more of the first medium density polyethylene, a high density polyethylene, a low density polyethylene, a linear low density polyethylene or combinations thereof.
 7. The multilayer film of claim 1, further comprising a sixth layer positioned between the barrier layer and the fourth layer, and wherein the fifth layer comprises one or more of the second medium density polyethylene, a high density polyethylene, a low density polyethylene, a linear low density polyethylene or combinations thereof.
 8. The multilayer film of claim 1, wherein the multilayer film comprises from 5 wt. % to 90 wt. % of the first medium density polyethylene and the second medium density polyethylene combined, based on the total weight of the multilayer film.
 9. The multilayer film of claim 1, wherein the first layer, the fourth layer, or both comprise from 0 wt. % to 100 wt. % linear low density polyethylene, based on the total weight of the respective layer.
 10. The multilayer film of claim 1, wherein the first layer, the fourth layer, or both comprise from 0 wt. % to 100 wt. % of the first medium density polyethylene, the second medium density polyethylene, or both, based on the total weight of the respective layer.
 11. The multilayer film of claim 1, wherein the multilayer film has a puncture force greater than 1 N/micrometer when measured according to ASTM D 5748-95.
 12. The multilayer film of claim 1, wherein the multilayer film has a puncture elongation of greater than 55 mm when measured according to ASTM D 5748-95.
 13. The multilayer film of claim 1, wherein the multilayer film is substantially free of polyamide.
 14. A multilayer film comprising: a first outer layer comprising polyethylene; a first subskin layer comprising a first medium density polyethylene; a second subskin layer comprising a second medium density polyethylene, wherein the first subskin layer is positioned between the first outer layer and the second subskin layer; a first tie layer, wherein the second subskin layer is positioned between the first subskin layer and the first tie layer; a barrier layer, wherein the first tie layer is positioned between the second subskin layer and the barrier layer; a second tie layer, wherein the barrier layer is positioned between the first tie layer and the second layer; a third subskin layer comprising a third medium density polyethylene, wherein the second tie layer is positioned between the barrier layer and the third subskin layer; a fourth subskin layer comprising a fourth medium density polyethylene, wherein the third subskin layer is positioned between the second tie layer and the fourth subskin layer; a second outer layer comprising polyethylene, wherein the fourth subskin layer is positioned between the third subskin layer and the second outer layer; wherein the first medium density polyethylene, the second medium density polyethylene, the third medium density polyethylene, and the fourth medium density polyethylene each comprise: (a) a first polyethylene fraction having a single peak in a temperature range of 45° C. to 87° C. in an elution profile via improved comonomer composition distribution (iCCD) analysis method, wherein a first polyethylene fraction area is an area in the elution profile beneath the single peak of the first polyethylene fraction between 45° C. and 87° C.; and (b) a second polyethylene fraction having a single peak in a temperature range of 95° C. to 120° C. in the elution profile via iCCD analysis method and wherein a second polyethylene fraction area is an area in the elution profile beneath the single peak of the second polyethylene fraction between 95° C. and 120° C.; wherein the first medium density polyethylene, the second medium density polyethylene, the third medium density polyethylene, and the fourth medium density polyethylene each have a density of 0.924 g/cm³ to 0.936 g/cm³ and a melt index (I₂) of 0.25 g/10 minutes to 2.0 g/10 minutes, wherein the first polyethylene fraction area comprises at least 40% of the total area of the elution profile, wherein a ratio of the first polyethylene fraction area to the second polyethylene fraction area is 0.75 to 2.5, and wherein the width of the single peak of the second polyethylene fraction at 50 percent peak height is less than 5.0° C.
 15. The multilayer film of claim 14, wherein the multilayer film is substantially free of polyamide. 